UAE begins campaign at Asian Games in Japan

The UAE has begun its campaign at the 20th Asian Games in Japan, with 165 athletes representing the country across 21 sports.

Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, Vice President of the UAE Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Executive Office, attended the opening ceremony at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletics Stadium on Saturday.

Japan's Emperor Naruhito officially declared the Games open, with more than 11,000 athletes from 45 countries taking part in the event, which runs until October 4.

Aichi-Nagoya 2026 features 43 sports and 469 events and marks the third time Japan has hosted the Asian Games, following Tokyo in 1958 and Hiroshima in 1994.

Dr Al Falasi said he hoped UAE athletes would translate their preparations into strong performances and results during the Games.

The UAE has also made its first appearance in modern pentathlon at an Asian Games, with Abdullah Abdulrahman competing in the men's individual event and finishing with 1,282 points.

Meanwhile, the UAE Olympic football team is preparing to face North Korea on Sunday in its second match of the tournament after losing its opening game to Iran.