Asian Games Open Japanese Athletes Advance Toward 50 Gold Medals

 

The quadrennial sports festival, the Asian Games (hosted by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), official sponsors: Samsung Electronics, Shinhan Bank, Korean Air, SK Telecom, Hyundai-Kia, 361°, partner: Tissot, Otsuka Pharmaceutical), opened in Incheon, South Korea, on September 19.

Over 16 days until October 4, 36 sports and 439 events will be held, including 28 Olympic sports like swimming and track and field, plus 8 unique Asian Games sports such as baseball and bowling. Over 10,000 athletes from 45 OCA member countries and regions are participating. Japan dispatched a total of 1,069 people, including 712 athletes and 357 coaches and staff. For Japan, this event serves as a crucial test ahead of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro and 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.

 

The opening ceremony, held at Incheon Stadium, the main venue, was spectacular, themed "Meet the Bright Future of Asia." With minimal elaborate stage sets, the dynamic performances of song and dance expressed the gathering of Asian nations in Incheon. Japan entered 29th in the athletes' parade. Led by flag bearer Kaori Kawanaka (archery), team captain Hiromi Miyake (weightlifting) and others marched with smiles, responding to the cheers. President Park Geun-hye's declaration of the Games open was followed by spectacular fireworks filling the stadium. Attending the ceremony were International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, and from Japan, Tokyo Governor Yoichi Masuzoe and Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee Chairman Yoshiro Mori.

 

Following Misato Nakamura's ippon victory in the women's 52kg judo final on September 20th, which marked Japan's first gold medal of the Games, swimmer Kosuke Hagino achieved four gold medals. The Japanese team continues its push toward the goal of 50 gold medals. (Photo: Fort Kishimoto)

Official Games Website:
www.incheon2014ag.org/index

Japan Team Formation Ceremony Article:
Japan Sends 1,069 Athletes, Coaches, and Officials to Asian Games: National Team Formation Ceremony