Torch Relay Launches in Nagoya as Asian Games Countdown Begins
The Asian Games flame was ignited in Nagoya on Saturday, kicking off a relay that will travel through Aichi Prefecture before the opening ceremony on Sept. 19.
A ceremonial torch relay for the upcoming Asian Games commenced in Nagoya on Saturday, featuring roughly 1,000 torchbearers traversing Aichi Prefecture. Saori Yoshida, a three-time Olympic gold medalist in women's wrestling, was the inaugural carrier, receiving the flame at Nagoya Castle and passing it to community members for the journey through the central Japanese city. Prior to the relay, former women's World Cup captain Homare Sawa and tennis legend Kimiko Date brought together flames from Tokyo and Hiroshima with a locally lit flame in Aichi.
The procession will continue across Aichi and adjacent prefectures, ending at Paloma Mizuho Stadium where it will ignite the cauldron on Sept. 19. This will be the first Summer Asian Games hosted by Japan in 32 years, featuring over 40 sports and running until Oct. 4, with the Asian Para Games following later in the month.
Why it matters
The relay signals the start of a major multi-sport event that brings athletes and fans together across Asia.
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