Nagoya ready to light up as Asian Games opening ceremony set to begin today
Nagoya is all dressed up to welcome the guests. Now, all that remains is for the beats to rise and the sporting flame to be lit.
After 19 sporting extravaganzas spanning 75 years, the Asian Games, Asia's biggest sporting festival, are set to begin on Saturday in the Japanese port city of Aichi-Nagoya. The Games are entering their 20th edition this year, with the opening ceremony scheduled for 2.30pm Indian time.
Japan's Emperor Naruhito will inaugurate the event. Empress Masako, Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko will also attend the ceremony. Prince Akishino is the honorary president of the Games.
Prominent Japanese athletes will also take part in the ceremony at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya. Japan is now set to witness 16 days of competition as athletes from across Asia battle for sporting glory.
The torch relay, which began on August 22, will conclude its journey at the opening ceremony on Saturday. The inaugural extravaganza will showcase Japan's history, art and cultural heritage. 'Heartbeat in Harmony' is the theme of the opening ceremony, while 'One Asia' is the concept of the Asian Games. 'Honohon' is the official mascot.
When the Asian Games began in New Delhi in 1951, only 11 countries participated. Japan is hosting the Asian Games for the third time.
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Athletics competitions will begin on September 23. At the previous edition, China topped the medal tally with 382 medals, including 200 gold. India finished fourth with 106 medals, including 28 gold.
India in teqball
India's Joaquim D'Souza has reached the semi-finals of the women's singles teqball event. D'Souza advanced after defeating Japanese and Cambodian opponents in the group matches. She will face Indonesia's Suyama in the semi-finals.
In mixed doubles, the Indian pair of D'Souza and Muhammed Anas defeated the Philippines team to qualify for the bronze-medal match. The pair had lost to Vietnam in the quarter-finals.
Delay at team reception
The reception organised for teams, including India, on Friday was delayed by more than an hour and a half. Following the rehearsal, an announcement said the event had been postponed for unspecified reasons. The delay was a setback for the Games' organisers.
Fear of rain
Although Nagoya received little rain on Thursday and Friday, the weather could play spoilsport during the opening ceremony. Forecasts indicate a 40 per cent chance of rain.