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19 Sep’ 2026
Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Attends Opening Ceremony of 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.
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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.
OCA President Sheikh Joaan visits Main Press Centre and International Broadcast Centre at Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Nagoya
Aichi-Nagoya - His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia and President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, visited the Main Press Centre and International Broadcast Centre of the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, accompanied by International Olympic Committee Her President Kirsty Coventry. Sheikh Joaan and President Coventry toured the various facilities and operational areas, where they were introduced to the advanced technical infrastructure, cutting-edge production services and innovative solutions being used to manage the broadcast and media coverage of the Games. They also visited the workspaces, studios and broadcasting facilities, and reviewed the services provided to media representatives and rights-holding broadcasters from across Asia and around the world, as well as the systems in place to support their work and enable them to deliver high-quality coverage of the Games. Following their tour of the International Broadcast Centre, Sheikh Joaan and President Coventry met with nine OCA young reporters at the Main Press Centre. The young reporters, selected from across the continent as part of the OCA’s “Asian Games for All” project, were warmly welcomed by Sheikh Joaan and President Coventry. During the meeting, they gained insight into more about the young reporters’ experiences covering the Games and the program’s role in developing the skills of the next generation of sports journalists by providing them with valuable hands-on experience at one of Asia’s largest sporting events. The visit formed part of the ongoing review of the media and operational arrangements for the Games and highlighted the important role of the state-of-the-art facilities in bringing Asia’s premier multi-sport event to audiences around the world.
Bayt Qatar to Bring Immersive Qatari Culture to Aichi-Nagoya 2026
Nagoya/The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) announced today that Bayt Qatar - the House of Qatar - will be open to visitors and local communities during the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, 2026.Bayt Qatar offers a comprehensive cultural and sporting experience, giving visitors the opportunity to discover Qatari culture and heritage, explore the history of Qatari sport and its key achievements, and learn more about Doha’s preparations to host the 2030 Asian Games.Bayt Qatar serves as a space for connection between Qatar and Japan, and the wider Asian sports family that is coming together for the Nagoya 2026 Asian Games. Bayt Qatar will welcome visitors, local communities, families and sports enthusiasts who wish to discover Qatar beyond the sporting competitions.Operating Details:• Dates: 19 September – 4 October 2026• Location: Sakae 5, 5 Chome-15-19 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya• Public Visitors Time Slots: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM daily (limited availability)• Admission: Free• Registration Link: https://miniapp.line.me/2006571323-Ve6JEwbq?eventID=IF6MFEsVk7yjGkmeVEub Visitors to Bayt Qatar will embark on a journey exploring Qatar's sporting legacy, from the Doha 2006 Asian Games through preparations for 2030. Through images, stories and interactive content, the exhibition introduces Qatar's champions, cultural transformation, and ambitions for the future - demonstrating how sport, culture and hospitality are deeply interconnected in Qatari life.At the heart of Bayt Qatar lies the Majlis, a traditional gathering space where hospitality comes to life. Visitors are welcomed with Arabic coffee, tea, dates and regag – a crispy Qatari flatbread - while discovering the traditions and rituals of Qatari guest-welcoming customs. The Majlis reflects the central importance of conversation, connection and togetherness in Qatari culture.Bayt Qatar invites visitors to become active participants in Qatari culture through a series of interactive, hands-on experiences:• Sadu weaving: Discover and practice the traditional craft of Bedouin weaving• Arabic calligraphy: Have your name written in traditional Arabic script• Henna designs: Experience traditional henna art inspired by Qatari heritage• Digital art creation: Design contemporary digital artwork using patterns and visual elements inspired by Qatar• AI photo experience: Step into immersive, Qatari-inspired digital environments to create personal digital memoriesThe Bayt Qatar experience also includes the “Postcard” journey, inspired by an artwork by Qatari artist Mubarak Al Malik. Upon entering, visitors receive an artwork and collect a collection of stamps as they explore the venue and take part in various activities. The stamps gradually reveal the complete artwork, which visitors can keep as a souvenir documenting their visit to Bayt Qatar.Throughout the Games, Bayt Qatar will host special celebrations honouring Qatari male and female athletes who achieve medals and accomplishments during competitions. These celebrations will recognise athletic excellence while showcasing the achievements of Qatari sports on the continental stage.The initiative reinforces Qatar's vision for 2030 and demonstrates the country's readiness to welcome the Asian sporting community. Participation in Aichi-Nagoya 2026, including Bayt Qatar, provides an opportunity to strengthen relationships across Asia and showcase Qatar's unique position as both a host with heritage and a forward-thinking nation.On this occasion, H.E. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), has affirmed that Bayt Qatar in Nagoya is one of the initiatives that helps introduce Qatar and showcase its rich cultural and sporting heritage. It also highlights for visitors to the 20th Asian Games – Aichi-Nagoya 2026 – key milestones in the journey of Qatari sport, the achievements made over the years, and the major sporting events the country is preparing to host in the coming years.The QOC Secretary General said that staging Bayt Qatar alongside Team Qatar’s participation in the Games reflects the commitment to leveraging major sporting events to strengthen communication and bring people closer together. It also provides visitors with an opportunity to experience Qatari culture and heritage while learning about the development of sport in Qatar and its growing presence on the continental and international stages.Al Buenain noted that Bayt Qatar highlights several landmark moments in this journey, foremost among them the Doha 2006 Asian Games, which represented a significant milestone in the history of Qatari sport. This was followed by Qatar hosting a series of major championships and sporting events, alongside the achievements of Qatari athletes across continental and international competitions.He explained that Qatar’s success in organising major sporting events has been the result of years of work and investment in developing venues and infrastructure, building national capabilities, and accumulating expertise across a wide range of organisational and operational areas. He stressed that this experience now provides a strong foundation for the country as it prepares to host further major international sporting events in the years ahead.He said: “Through hosting numerous major championships, Qatar has demonstrated its ability to deliver sporting events to the highest standards. Today, we have an integrated system that encompasses world-class venues and infrastructure, extensive experience and highly capable national talent, as well as considerable expertise in planning, operations, transport, accommodation and services for athletes, delegations and spectators.”The QOC Secretary General pointed out that Qatar’s continued hosting of major sporting events reflects confidence in its organisational capabilities, noting that Doha is preparing to host the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, followed by the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2029, before hosting the Doha 2030 Asian Games for the second time in its history.He added: “Every new championship represents an opportunity to build on what we have achieved and continuously develop our expertise. Previous experiences have demonstrated the importance of having an integrated organisational system capable of efficiently meeting the diverse requirements of major sporting events, and this is something we are committed to continuing to develop in Qatar.”Al Buenain stressed that the success of any major sporting event depends on providing an integrated environment that places athletes at the heart of the organisational process and ensures participating delegations have everything they need to perform their roles effectively, while also ensuring efficient operations, ease of movement and high-quality services throughout the event.He added that Qatar’s participation in the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games also provides an opportunity to learn from different experiences and exchange expertise with National Olympic Committees and sporting organisations across the continent, as preparations continue for Doha to host the Asian Games in 2030.The QOC Secretary oncluded: “Bayt Qatar represents an important link in a journey extending from Doha 2006 to Doha 2030, reflecting both what Qatari sport has achieved and what we aspire to accomplish in the future. We have great confidence in Qatar’s organisational capabilities and national talent, and we will continue to build on our experience and sporting legacy through the major events ahead, leading up to welcoming Asia’s athletes back to Doha in 2030.”
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Qatar Women’s Volleyball Team Face Hong Kong
Qatar women’s national volleyball team will face Hong Kong today in the third and final round of Group D at the 20th Asian Games – Aichi-Nagoya 2026 – in Japan. Qatar will be looking for victory to bounce back from yesterday’s 3-0 defeat to South Korea in the second round of Group D. The sets ended 25-6, 25-6 and 25-10.Qatar began their campaign with a 3-0 defeat to Vietnam.The women’s volleyball competition features 14 teams divided into four groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarter-finals.Qatar women’s volleyball team will be aiming to finish the group stage with a victory and a positive result that builds on the experience gained from their participation in the Asian Games, which provides an important opportunity to compete against continental opposition and gain further experience for the future.