The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games have officially commenced, featuring thousands of athletes from 45 nations competing for 469 gold medals.

The 20th Asian Games officially opened on Saturday in Nagoya, Japan, marking the third time the country has hosted the event. Thousands of athletes from 45 nations gathered at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium for a ceremony themed "Harmonic Heart Beat," which celebrated the spirit of hospitality in the Aichi region.

Event Logistics and Competition

Directed by Nagoya-born filmmaker Yukihiko Tsutsumi, the opening ceremony featured a main stage shaped like a large heart to symbolize continental unity. Under the slogan "Imagine One Asia," the games will run through Oct. 4, with athletes competing for 469 gold medals across 43 sports and 71 disciplines. While Nagoya serves as the primary host, the competition is geographically dispersed. Swimming events are scheduled in Tokyo, while certain football matches will take place in Osaka and Shizuoka.

South Korean Participation

South Korea, competing under the official name "Republic of Korea," entered the stadium 16th during the opening march. The nation has sent a delegation of 1,051 athletes and officials, participating in 41 of the 43 sports, with the exception of cricket and padel. Fifty representatives from nine sports attended the opening ceremony. Table tennis player Shin Yu-bin and veteran rower Kim Dong-yong served as the country's co-flag bearers. South Korea has set a target of approximately 45 gold medals, aiming to close the gap with Japan in the overall medal standings as China is expected to remain the dominant force.