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19 Sep’ 2026

H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani holds media dialogue session at Aichi-Nagoya 2026

Aichi-Nagoya-His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia, held a wide-ranging dialogue session with a number of media representatives covering the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026. 

The session addressed a range of topics related to the Games and the Olympic Movement in Asia, including the role of sport in bringing the continent’s peoples closer together and strengthening unity, as well as the importance of providing athletes and participating delegations with the best possible conditions to perform at their highest level. 

His Excellency also outlined the OCA’s vision for the continued development of sport across the continent and for further strengthening the Asian Games as a platform that brings together athletes from diverse cultures in a spirit of fair competition and mutual respect. 

The session featured an open discussion, during which the OCA President answered questions from media representatives about the Games and a number of issues related to Asian sport. He reaffirmed the OCA’s commitment to working closely with National Olympic Committees, sports federations and organising committees to serve athletes and enhance their overall experience. 

The session reflected the OCA’s commitment to strengthening engagement with the media, sharing its vision and strategic direction, and highlighting the important role of the media in conveying the message and values of the Asian Games to audiences across the continent and around the world.

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In Presence of Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad, Emperor Naruhito Opens Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games

Aichi-Nagoya -  H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), attended the Opening Ceremony of the 20th Asian Games – Aichi-Nagoya 2026, held at the Mizuho Park Athletics Stadium in Nagoya, Japan. Emperor Naruhito of Japan officially declared the Games open, in the presence of Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, IOC President Kirsty Coventry, as well as a number of senior officials and sports leaders. In his address during the ceremony, H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad said that the eyes of Asia and the world are now on Japan, and that what unfolds over the coming days will inspire people across the continent and demonstrate what can be achieved when Asia comes together through sport. On behalf of the Olympic Council of Asia and all 45 National Olympic Committees, His Excellency expressed his gratitude to the Government of Japan, Aichi Prefecture, the City of Nagoya, the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Organizing Committee and the Japanese Olympic Committee for their significant efforts in organizing the Games. His Excellency praised Japan as a nation that prides itself on excellence, discipline and respect, and one that brings together ancient traditions and modern ambitions. He also highlighted Japan’s longstanding position at the forefront of world sport and its ability to rise to the challenge whenever the world has needed it. Reflecting on his personal journey with the Asian Games, H.E. Sheikh Joaan said: “We all carry our own personal journey with the Games. For me, that journey began as a torch relay ambassador at the Doha 2006 Asian Games. Twenty years later, I stand here as OCA President. And in those twenty years, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of the Games.” His Excellency concluded his address by saying: “Japan has set the stage. Now it is time for Asia to inspire the world once again.”Aichi-Nagoya 2026 brings together 11,000 male and female athletes representing 45 National Olympic Committees, competing across 43 sports and 469 events. The Games will continue until 4 October.  Arrow

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