Qatar Team Stage Flag-Hoisting Extravaganza Ahead of Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Games

Tokyo, September 16, 2026 : The Qatari flag was hoisted Wednesday at the Athletes' Village for the 20th Asian Games, Aichi-Nagoya 2026, which Japan will host from September 19 through October 4.

Record Participation Expected at This Year's Games

The Games will mark a record participation of 17,000 athletes and officials representing 45 nations and regions, including Olympic and world champions, who will compete across 43 sports over two weeks.

Ceremony Attended by Senior Qatari Officials

The flag-hoisting ceremony was attended by head of Qatar's administrative delegation Ahmed Yousef Al Darwish, and deputy head of the delegation Iman Al Emadi, alongside members of the delegation, representatives of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), and officials from the sports federations participating in the Games. The Qatari national anthem played during the ceremony, with the flag unfurled amid festive activities, and several Qatari athletes also in attendance.

Delegation Comprises 427 Members

Qatar's participation features a delegation of 427 members, including 243 competitors — 184 male athletes and 59 female athletes — along with 142 members of coaching and administrative staff, 23 members of the administrative delegation, and 16 members of the media delegation.

Athletes to Compete Across 26 Sports

Qatar's athletes will compete in 26 sports across 32 disciplines, representing 18 sports federations, with hopes of achieving strong results and further strengthening Qatari sport's presence at the Asian Games. Participating sports include athletics, football, basketball, 3x3 basketball, handball, volleyball, beach volleyball, squash, padel, taekwondo, judo, artistic gymnastics, golf, shooting, swimming, jiu-jitsu, esports, sailing, equestrian, karate, fencing, archery, wrestling, boxing, weightlifting, and table tennis.

Opening Ceremony Set for Saturday

The official opening ceremony will be held Saturday at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya, with Qatari contenders aiming to secure medals that reflect the continued growth of Qatari sport on the international stage.

Al Darwish Praises Athletes' Preparation

Al Darwish described the flag-hoisting ceremony as a significant occasion reflecting Qatar's presence at the Games, expressing confidence in the athletes' ability to perform at their best and showcase the resilient spirit long associated with Qatari sport. He noted that the QOC, working alongside the sports federations, had laid out the necessary plans since the conclusion of the previous edition in China to ensure optimal conditions for athletes and staff.

Al Emadi Highlights Delegation's Readiness

Al Emadi said the ceremony reflected the delegation's readiness for the Games, expressing hope that Qatar's athletes would deliver strong performances reflecting months of preparation. She described the Games as an important opportunity for athletes to compete against some of Asia's best, wishing the delegation success.

Karate, Gymnastics Teams Begin Final Preparations

Meanwhile, Qatar's national karate team arrived in Nagoya to begin final preparations, alongside the national gymnastics team. Qatar will compete in karate, taekwondo, and judo through six athletes, while artistic gymnastics competitions will be held from September 20-24 at Nippon Gaishi Hall (Rainbow Hall).

Gymnastics Squad, Officials Named

Qatar's artistic gymnastics team includes Rakan Al Hareth, Mehrdad Ghadimi, and Salma Nasser, coached by Jorgen Sifkanen and Mohammed Al Dulaimi, accompanied by administrator Samira Saeed and physiotherapist Issam Abu Ouda. Qatar's presence in the competition is further reinforced through international judging representation via Secretary-General of the Qatar Gymnastics Federation Abeer Al Buainain and international judge Mahmoud Al Saadi, reflecting the recognized competence of Qatari sporting personnel on the Asian stage.

Source: QNA