UAE Begins 13th Asian Games Campaign with Expanded Multi-Sport Participation.
The 20th Asian Games officially began in Nagoya on Saturday, with the UAE’s 165-member delegation joining athletes from across the continent for the opening of the 16-day sporting event.
Running from September 19 to October 4, the Games will feature competition across 43 sports, with a total of 469 events scheduled.
UAE joins nations’ parade in Nagoya
The parade of nations began at Paloma Mizuho Stadium following the Japanese national anthem, with Afghanistan leading the procession, followed by Bahrain.
The host nation Japan also entered the stadium as delegations from across Asia took part in the ceremony, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Singapore, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Palestine.
The UAE delegation joined the parade of nations during the opening ceremony, marking the country’s 13th participation in the Asian Games.
Seven members of Japan’s defence forces carried the national flag to the centre of the stadium, with two additional personnel assisting in raising it. The ceremony then transitioned into its opening performance, featuring an energetic dance accompanied by a veteran violinist, before the performers came together to spell out the word “WELCOME”.
Japan’s Emperor and Empress, as well as the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, were among the dignitaries attending the Asian Games opening ceremony in Nagoya.
165 UAE athletes compete across 23 sports
The UAE is represented by a 165-member athlete delegation at the Asian Games, comprising 117 men and 48 women who will compete across 23 sports and disciplines.
The national contingent will participate in athletics, swimming, taekwondo, padel, football, esports, equestrian, cycling, archery, rowing, sailing, fencing, golf, shooting, judo, modern pentathlon, triathlon, jiu-jitsu, rugby, weightlifting, boxing and karate, among other events.
This edition will also mark the UAE’s first Asian Games appearance in padel and modern pentathlon, further broadening the country’s participation across the continental sporting programme.
Meanwhile, the UAE football team has already started its Group B campaign, suffering a 3-1 defeat to Iran. China and North Korea are the other teams competing in the group.
UAE builds on 60-medal Asian Games record
Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee, highlighted the country’s achievements at the Asian Games and the role Emirati athletes have played in shaping the nation’s sporting legacy.
The UAE has collected 60 medals in Asian Games competition, comprising 12 gold, 21 silver and 27 bronze across 11 sports. More than half of the country’s overall medal tally was secured during the previous two editions of the Games.
The UAE first competed at the Asian Games in Bangkok in 1978. Its first medal came at the 1994 Games in Hiroshima, where Mohammed Al Qubaisi claimed silver in the individual bowling event.
Female participation rises
The UAE’s Aichi-Nagoya 2026 delegation includes 48 female athletes, an increase from the 38 women who represented the country at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games.
Sheikh Mansoor said the accomplishments of Emirati athletes over the years have become an important part of the UAE’s sporting legacy, providing inspiration for younger generations to pursue further achievements.
45 countries, 11,000 athletes
The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games bring together more than 11,000 athletes representing 45 countries. Competitors will take part in 43 sports and 469 events, with a total of 1,407 medals to be awarded during the Games.
The opening ceremony at Paloma Mizuho Stadium is being held under the theme “IMAGINE ONE ASIA”, celebrating the connections between athletes, spectators, the Aichi-Nagoya region and the wider Asian community.
For the UAE, the Games represent another significant milestone in its Asian Games journey, with Emirati athletes competing across a broad range of established disciplines while also making their national debut in new events.
