icon
Search
AR

News details Media center

HH Shekh Joaan
HH Shekh Joaan
HH Shekh Joaan
HH Shekh Joaan
qq
qoc

19 Sep’ 2026

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.

 

Media Kit:

download IconsAll Images Copy IconCopy All Text

More NEWS

View all
shk joaan

Sheikh Joaan Chairs Joint Gathering of National Olympic Committee Presidents

Nagoya: H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), chaired a joint gathering of National Olympic Committee presidents from Asia, Africa and the Caribbean, held on the sidelines of the 20th Asian Games – Aichi-Nagoya 2026.  Arrow
sw
Paralympic Sport

Ali Tamer Reaches Asian Games 100m Freestyle Final with National Record

TOKYO – Qatari swimmer Ali Tamer booked his place in the men’s 100m freestyle final at the 20th Asian Games (Aichi-Nagoya 2026) on Sunday, setting a new national record in the process.Competing in the preliminary heats at the Aquatics Centre, Tamer finished second in his heat in 48.65 seconds to qualify for the final and lower his previous national record of 49.10 seconds.Tamer will look to build on his strong showing in the final as he seeks to deliver a notable performance for Qatari swimming.Qatar’s swimming team will return to action on Monday in the men’s 4x200m freestyle relay, aiming to produce another strong performance at the continental Games.Qatar’s swimming delegation comprises seven athletes: Mohamed Mahmoud, Ali Tamer, Saad Eddin Saad Eddin, Emil Mounir Fouzai, Abdullah Al Ghamri, Tamim Al Humaida and Mohamed Aziz Jilani.The swimming program at Aichi-Nagoya 2026 features 41 individual and relay events.The 20th Asian Games are being held in Japan from September 19 to October 4, 2026. Arrow
Sheikha Hind

Sheikha Hind Meets Qatari Female Athletes Competing at Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games

Nagoya: H.E. Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Member of Board Of Directors of the Qatar Olympic Committee, today met with several of Team Qatar’s female athletes competing at the 20th Asian Games – Aichi-Nagoya 2026, during a visit to Bayt Qatar in Nagoya.The meeting brought together female athletes from Qatar’s volleyball, shooting, table tennis and 3x3 basketball teams, with H.E. Sheikha Hind taking the opportunity to speak with the athletes about their experiences in Japan, their preparations for the Games and their ambitions for the competitions ahead.H.E. Sheikha Hind praised the athletes for their dedication and commitment and encouraged them to remain focused throughout the competitions, giving their utmost as they represent Qatar on the continental stage. She also highlighted the continued development of women’s sport in Qatar and the important role of female athletes in inspiring future generations.The athletes expressed their appreciation for H.E. Sheikha Hind’s support and engagement, reaffirming their determination to give their best, achieve strong results and represent Qatar with pride at Aichi-Nagoya 2026.Qatar is participating in this edition of the Asian Games with a delegation of 243 athletes, including 184 men and 59 women, competing across 26 sports. Arrow
HH Shekh Joaan

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. Arrow

1

5