Nagoya: The 20th Asian Games officially commenced in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, welcoming over 11,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions to compete in 43 sports until October 4. His Majesty Emperor Naruhito of Japan formally opened the Games at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, with prominent figures including Her Majesty Empress Masako, Shaikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, and Kirsty Coventry in attendance.
According to Bahrain News Agency, His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, led the Kingdom of Bahrain's delegation at the ceremony. Bahrain was notably the first Arab country in the athletes' parade, entering second in alphabetical order. National basketball player Mustafa Hussain and dressage rider Aneesa Al Mahmood proudly carried Bahrain's flag.
The Bahraini delegation included administrators, media representatives, and athletes from various sports. Among them were shooting delegation members Sara Yousif, Tamar Ali, Maryam Hassani, and Maryam Al Asam. Cycling and weightlifting were represented by administrators Isa Ayoob and Tariq Al Bastaki, respectively.
Bahrain's national handball team, comprising players Ahmed Jalal, Ali Mahmood, Ahmed Eid, and Sayed Ali Basem, was also present. The table tennis delegation, including administrator Bader Saleh and coach Omar Ahmed, joined with players Rashed Sanad, Sayed Murtadha Mahfoudh, and Mohammed Nader.
The Bahraini team showcased their national identity by wearing traditional attire and carrying the Kingdom's flags. The opening ceremony, themed 'Harmonic Heart Beat', highlighted Japanese culture and Asia's cultural diversity through sport, music, and performances.
The Asian Games torch, having journeyed through Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya's wards, arrived at the stadium, culminating in the lighting of the Games cauldron. Bahrain's national handball team is set to begin its Group B campaign against Kazakhstan, with matches against Kuwait, South Korea, and Iran to follow.
Bahrain will also compete in triathlon and cycling, with Omar Hamza and Ahmed Nasser representing the nation. Bahraini swimmers will participate in various events, while the national table tennis team faces Chinese Taipei and Nepal in their opening matches.
Four national athletes will compete in the mixed martial arts preliminary rounds, with Diana Bogosyan, Mohammed Al Sameea, Kurban Idrisov, and Mohammed Nabiev representing Bahrain. The Games are highlighted by the mascot HONOHON and held under the slogan 'Imagine One Asia', aiming to unite the continent through sport.