The 20th Asian Games officially opened in Nagoya, Japan, on Saturday with a ceremony launching 16 days of competition involving athletes from 45 countries and regions across Asia.
Reuters reported that Emperor Naruhito formally declared the Games open. The Associated Press said at least 11,000 athletes are entered across 43 sports, although some competitions had already begun before the ceremony because of the crowded schedule.
Organizers faced complaints before the opening over accommodation, transport and registration. Japan chose not to build a permanent athletes’ village, with participants instead housed across hotels, temporary units and a cruise ship.
The programme includes esports and several new or regionally popular disciplines alongside established Olympic sports. The first medal events are expected on Sunday.