A New Chapter Begins as Asian Games 2026 Open in Aichi Nagoya

The Asian Games 2026 officially began in Aichi Nagoya, Japan, on Saturday, September 19, with a vibrant Opening Ceremony bringing together athletes and teams from across the continent. The 20th edition of the Asian Games marks the beginning of another major chapter in Asian sport, with competition set to continue until October 4.

The celebrations at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium set the stage for the athletes who will carry the hopes of their nations over the coming days. The Parade of Nations was among the highlights of the ceremony, as contingents entered the stadium carrying their national flags and showcasing the diversity and sporting spirit of Asia.

Leading the Indian contingent were two accomplished athletes, Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat, who carried the Tricolour during the Opening Ceremony. Bhaker, a double Olympic medallist, represented India's shooting contingent, while Sehrawat, one of India's leading kabaddi players and a member of the gold medal-winning team at the Hangzhou Asian Games, brought his experience from one of India's most successful team sports onto the ceremonial stage.

 

 

 

 

 

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For India, the Aichi Nagoya Games represent another opportunity for athletes across disciplines to compete on the continental stage. The Indian contingent comprises 503 athletes, who will compete across 36 disciplines. India enters the Games following its record 106-medal haul at Hangzhou 2022, including 28 gold, 39 silver and 40 bronze medals, adding further significance to the performances that will unfold in Japan.

Sharing her message for Team India, Reliance Foundation Founder and Chairperson Mrs. Nita M. Ambani said: “As you step onto one of Asia’s biggest sporting stages, remember that you carry with you the hopes and good wishes of an entire nation. Compete with courage, compete with joy, because what you do can go far beyond winning a medal.”

“This is your moment. Make it count. The entire nation is cheering for you,” she added.

The message reflects the spirit of Reliance Foundation’s Asian Games campaign, Taqdeer Badalna Bachchon Ka Khel Hai, which celebrates the power of opportunity and the belief that every child deserves the chance to reach the starting line before dreaming of reaching the finish line.

A total of 48 Reliance Foundation-supported athletes across nine sports are competing at the Games, including Ancy Sojan, Jyothi Yarraji, Sreeshankar Murali, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty.

As part of its Asian Games campaign, Reliance Foundation has also launched Safar Champions Ka, a video series chronicling the journeys of select RF athletes competing at Aichi-Nagoya 2026 and the people, opportunities and experiences that shaped their path to the Games.

With the ceremonial celebrations complete, the spotlight now turns to competition as India’s athletes look to make their moment count at Aichi-Nagoya 2026.