Japan Kicks Off 2026 Asian Games Today as Team Thailand Lead Parade
The 20th Asian Games official opening ceremony begins today at 15.45 (Thailand time), with Tatdao Nuekjang and Chalermchan Yosviriyapanich bearing the flag
- The 20th Asian Games have officially commenced in Nagoya, Japan, featuring over 11,000 athletes from 46 nations.
- A key feature of the opening ceremony was the historic lighting of the games' cauldron using clean hydrogen energy for the first time.
- Team Thailand's delegation was led into the stadium by joint flag bearers Tatdao Nuekjang (volleyball) and Chalermchan Yosviriyapanich (equestrian).
- The event marks Japan's return as host of the Asian Games after a 32-year hiatus and will run from September 19 to October 4, 2026.
The 20th Asian Games official opening ceremony begins today at 15.45 (Thailand time), with Thatdao Nuekjang and Chalermchan Yotviriyapanich bearing the flag.
The official opening ceremony of the 20th Asian Games begins today, Saturday, 19th September 2026, at 15.45 (Thailand local time).
Hosted across Japan's Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, the continental spectacle welcomes over 11,000 athletes from 46 Asian nations competing for 469 gold medals through 4th October.
As reported by Krungthep Turakij reporter Panyalak Sriburin, the spectate-led Opening Ceremony—commencing at 15.45 Thai time at the 35,000-seat Paloma Mizuho Stadium—marks Japan's return as host of Asia’s premier multi-sport event after a 32-year hiatus.
Running under the slogan "Imagine One Asia", the host region combines digital innovation and environmental sustainability, featuring the first Asian Games cauldron ignited using clean hydrogen energy.
Historic Milestone and Opening Showcase
Directed by legendary filmmaker Yukihiko Tsutsumi, the show—themed "Harmonic Heart Beat"—blends 3D projection mapping and traditional Japanese music with digital beats to represent the unified heartbeat of Asia.
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Key Event Facts |
Details |
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Opening Ceremony |
Today, 19th September 2026, from 15.45 (Thailand time) |
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Host Region |
Aichi Prefecture & Nagoya City, Japan (Chubu Region) |
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Competition Dates |
19th September – 4th October 2026 |
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Participants |
11,000+ athletes & 6,000+ officials from 46 nations |
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Events |
469 Gold Medals across 43 sports (71 disciplines) |
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Core Themes |
Sports Power, Environmental Sustainability & Digital Innovation |
Thatdao and Chalermchan Lead Team Thailand
A main highlight for Thai supporters during today's parade is the entry of Team Thailand into Paloma Mizuho Stadium.
Selected by the Sports Association of Thailand and the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, two distinguished sports figures serve as joint flag bearers:
Thatdao Nuekjang: Legendary women's volleyball middle blocker, representing determination and power as her squad enters as top gold-medal contenders.
Chalermchan Yotviriyapanich: Veteran equestrian rider bringing years of international experience, embodying discipline and competitive poise.
The duo carry the Thai tricolour flag, leading hundreds of Thai athletes and team officials into the stadium.
Broadcast Information
Thai audiences can stream live HD coverage directly from Nagoya starting at 15:45 (Thailand time) across free-to-air digital channels and digital platforms:
Free-to-Air TV: NBT 2HD, T Sports 7, and PPTV HD 36
Digital Streaming: AIS PLAY (accessible on the application and AIS PLAYBOX across all networks)
