The 20th edition of the Asian Games is scheduled to open on Saturday in Nagoya, Japan, with more than 11,000 athletes registered to compete. This figure surpasses the 10,700 athletes who participated in the 2024 Paris Olympics, highlighting the scale of the regional sporting event.
Organisers have acknowledged a late surge in attendees, which has placed pressure on available housing. Up to 5,000 athletes and officials will be accommodated on the Italian liner Costa Serena, with others in hotels and temporary structures.
China is anticipated to be a dominant force, especially in swimming, with Olympic gold medallists such as Pan Zhanle and Qin Haiyang expected to compete. Pan holds the world record in the 100 freestyle, and Qin holds the mark in the 200 breaststroke. China secured 28 gold medals in swimming at the last games three years ago.
Among the prominent athletes are South Korean badminton star An Se Young, the 2024 Olympic gold medallist, and Philippine tennis player Alex Eala, who is skipping the WTA 1000 China Open to participate. Sri Lankan javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage, a recent winner at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship, is also favoured to win.