20th Asian Games Opened with Chand and Manmati Bearing Nepal’s Flag

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito officially inaugurated the 20th Asian Games 2026. The opening ceremony took place at Pal Mizuho Stadium in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Athletes from 45 countries and the refugee team participated in the march-past, where Nepal’s Chand Bahadur Thapa Magar and Manmati Bist carried the national flag. A total of 135 athletes from Nepal are competing across 21 sports, including karateka Erica Gurung, whose events are scheduled for Sunday.

The Asian Games, Asia’s largest multi-sport event, commenced on Saturday with a spectacular opening ceremony featuring cultural dances and a performance by musician Taro Hakase. Distinguished attendees included Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino, organizing committee chairperson Hideiki Ohmura, and Sheikh Bin Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).

More than 11,000 athletes participated in the opening ceremony. Nepal’s flag was carried by boxer Chand Bahadur Thapa Magar and the women’s kabaddi team captain Manmati Bist. Thapa made history by winning a bronze medal at the World Boxing Championships, while Bist was a member of the team that secured the bronze medal at the 19th Asian Games.

Nepal’s delegation comprised 211 members who traveled to Japan; however, the Minister for Education and Sports, Sasmita Pokharel, and several other key officials were unable to attend. Unlike previous editions, no separate athletes’ village was established this time; instead, athletes and officials were accommodated on cruise ships, in containers, and hotels. Erica Gurung’s karate matches begin on Sunday, and Nepal’s women’s volleyball team is set to compete against Kyrgyzstan.