The opening ceremony of the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 took place on September 19 in the city of Nagoya, Japan. Uzbekistan is participating in the continental competitions, sending 396 athletes who will compete in 42 sports disciplines.
The event was held at the Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium. The games were officially opened by Japanese Emperor Naruhito. The competitions will last for 16 days and conclude on October 4.
The theme of the ceremony was 'Harmonious Heartbeat'. The Games mascot, Honohon, participated in the program. A kabuki actor's performance against the backdrop of the Nagoya Castle model was presented, as well as a musical program by Japanese violinist Taro Hakase. Before the ceremony, the Japanese self-defense aerobatic team Blue Impulse flew over the stadium.
The ceremony was attended by Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino and his spouse, International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry, Asian Olympic Council President Sheikh Juan bin Hamad Al Thani, and Aichi Governor Hideaki Omura, who heads the Games organizing committee.
The torch for the Asian Games was brought from Tokyo and Hiroshima, which hosted the continental competitions in 1958 and 1994, respectively.
The delegation of Uzbekistan was led by world boxing champion Turabek Khabibullaev and Asian Games 2022 fencing champion Gulistan Perdebayeva, who served as flag bearers. Uzbekistan is represented in 42 sports, 36 of which are Olympic and six are non-Olympic. The delegation includes 224 men and 172 women.
For the first time at the Asian Games, Uzbekistan will participate in beach volleyball, volleyball, sailing, squash, and MMA. In several disciplines, including archery, field hockey, tennis, surfing, triathlon, and squash, athletes will also compete for qualification spots for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
At the Asian Games in Hangzhou, Uzbekistan finished fifth in the medal table, winning 22 gold, 18 silver, and 31 bronze medals. Aripov called on the athletes to improve this result.
Additionally, the 5th Asian Para Games will also be held in Japan from October 18 to 24, where Uzbekistan will be represented by 153 athletes competing in 11 sports disciplines.