Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Begin with Early Basketball Competition

The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games began in Japan on Thursday with men's basketball competition starting nine days ahead of the official opening ceremony on September 19. In the opening Group B game at Nagoya's IG Arena, Qatar defeated Iran with a score of 59 to 35. Japan will face Indonesia in Group A later in the day. The games will run through October 4 and are hosted primarily in Nagoya and other cities in Aichi Prefecture, with some events held in Tokyo, Osaka, Gifu, and Shizuoka. This marks the first time Japan has hosted the games since 1994. Between 15,000 and 17,000 athletes and officials from 43 to 45 countries are expected to participate. Several sports, including football, cricket, hockey, and modern pentathlon, will begin before the opening ceremony. Organizers have provided diverse accommodations including a cruise liner and wooden containers. However, record rainfall on Tuesday caused brief evacuations of athlete housing and leaks in some venues. The Philippine men's basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas, will compete in Group C against China, Bahrain, and Kazakhstan with an all-PBA roster.