Asian Games 2026 Opening Ceremony: Date, time, venue & live streaming details
The Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony will take place on September 19
The excitement is building for one of Asia’s biggest sporting events. The 20th edition of the Asian Games is set to kick off in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan, from September 19 to October 4.
This will mark the third time Japan has hosted the Asian Games, following previous editions in Tokyo in 1958 and Hiroshima in 1994. The Aichi-Nagoya edition will also carry a significant historical connection, arriving exactly 75 years after the inaugural Asian Games were held in New Delhi, India, in 1951.
Before the athletes get down to business, all eyes will turn to the opening ceremony, expected to be a grand celebration of sport, culture and unity across the continent.
Here is a simple breakdown of everything you need to know:
When will Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony take place?
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The opening ceremony will be held on September 19 (Saturday).
What time will the Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony take place (IST)?
The ceremony is scheduled to run from 6 PM to 8 PM JST (Japan Standard Time), which is 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM IST.
Where will the Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony take place?
The ceremony will be held at Paloma Mizuho Stadium, also known as Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Also Read: Asian Games 2026: Full schedule of all sports, dates, venue and other details
What is unique about the Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony?
The ceremony’s official theme is “Harmonic Heart Beat.” Renowned Japanese filmmaker Yukihiko Tsutsumi has been appointed creative director to oversee the ceremonies.
All you need to know about the Asian Games 2026 mascot
The official mascot of the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games is HONOHON, which was unveiled on July 14, 2024, after being selected from 264 entries. Japanese graphic designer Yoshiyuki Nakagawa designed the mascot.
HONOHON blends the athletes’ fiery spirit and determination with the Shachihoko, the mythical tiger-headed, carp-bodied creature long associated with Nagoya Castle, giving the Games a distinctive connection to the host city’s cultural heritage.
Its name comes from “honoho,” a word linked to the origin of the Japanese term for flame.
Related: Who is Honohon? All you need to know about Asian Games 2026 mascot
The mascot is genderless, described as newly born “inside the hearts of athletes,” and is curious, hardworking, and fond of sport, with red as its favourite colour.
Its large eyes symbolise watching over athletes across Asia, its Shachihoko-inspired ears represent hearing the cheers of fans, and the red kumadori-style markings around its eyes draw on Kabuki theatre traditions tied to the region’s cultural history. Fittingly, HONOHON’s favourite phrase is the Games’ own slogan, “Imagine One Asia.”
Who will be India’s flag bearers at Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony?
Two-time Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and two-time reigning Asian Games champion Tajinderpal Singh Toor have been named India’s flagbearers.
More details on flagbearers here
Where and how to watch live telecast and streaming of Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony?
Indian viewers can catch the opening ceremony and the entire Games live via the Sony Sports Network.
- Online streaming: SonyLIV app and website will offer full live coverage.
- English TV feeds: Sony Sports 1 and Sony Sports 5.
- Regional TV feeds: Sony Sports 3 (Hindi) and Sony Sports 4 (Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada).
- Free-to-air: DD Sports will carry select matches involving Team India on terrestrial TV and DD Free Dish.
Internationally, viewers can tune in as follows: Japan (TBS), Philippines (ONE Sports, Cignal TV), Republic of Korea (MBC, SBS, TV Chosun), Middle East (beIN Sports), Malaysia (Astro), and Indonesia (TVRI).
When is the Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony?
The Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony will be held on September 19, 2026, at Paloma Mizuho Stadium, Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. It runs from 6 PM to 8 PM JST (2:30 PM to 4:30 PM IST).
Who is the mascot of Asian Games 2026?
HONOHON, designed by Yoshiyuki Nakagawa, inspired by the Shachihoko, a mythical creature linked to Nagoya Castle.
Where can Indians watch the Asian Games 2026 opening ceremony live?
The opening ceremony will be LIVE on SonyLIV app and website, and on Sony Sports Network channels across multiple languages.
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