Asian Games 2026: Highlights from the Opening Ceremony and Competitions — image accompanying The Guardian Athletics's report. Photograph: Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
The opening ceremony featured retired Japanese hammer thrower Shigenobu Murofushi lighting the main cauldron with his son, Koji Murofushi. The event showcased diverse sports, from cross-country running to artistic gymnastics.
Yuan Jinwei of China won the men’s cross-country final in a thrilling finish. Meanwhile, Malaysia’s Shereen Samson Vallabouy competed in the women’s 400-meters heats but did not advance to the finals. Artistic gymnasts from Hong Kong and China performed in the women’s all-around final. Read more racing coverage.
Sepak takraw, combining volleyball and soccer, saw Thailand face South Korea in the final. In teqball, athletes from Lebanon and Cambodia competed in the women’s singles bronze-medal match. The games also featured popular sports like Wushu and badminton. Related: Masters Runners Compete for England Spots at Betley Farm.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from The Guardian Athletics. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
Reader questions
Questions about this report
What should runners know about Asian Games 2026: Highlights from the Opening Ceremony and Competitions?
Athletes from across Asia compete in various events at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. The opening ceremony featured retired Japanese hammer thrower Shigenobu Murofushi lighting the main cauldron with his son, Koji Murofushi. The event showcased diverse sports, from cross-country running to artistic gymnastics.
When did Runner World publish this racing brief?
Runner World published this brief on September 27, 2026. The underlying The Guardian Athletics report was dated September 26, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from The Guardian Athletics. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
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