Nagoya, Japan, September 21, 2024: The Olympic Council of Asia joined in the “Are You Ready?” festival in the centre of Nagoya on Saturday morning to mark the two years to go to the 20th Asian Games in 2026.
OCA Vice President Timothy Fok read out a message of congratulations on behalf of the OCA President, Raja Randhir Singh, and he was joined on the stage by government leaders from Nagoya city, Aichi prefecture and double Olympic Games champion judoka Ayumi Tanimoto, who hails from Aichi prefecture.
The most popular VIP, however, was the Asian Games mascot Honohon, who was the main target of the professional and amateur photographers alike as families gathered in Sakae Hirobas Park for the 30-minute opening ceremony, followed by a sports festival.
“Today I have the privilege of presenting the greetings from Raja Randhir Singh, President of the OCA, as well as our colleagues in the OCA,” said Mr. Fok, who is also Chair of the OCA Coordination Committee for the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
“Since the first Games were held in New Delhi, India in 1951, the Asian Games have always contributed to mutual understanding and international peace among Asian countries. They have also provided an opportunity for the individual people of Asia to nurture friendship and embrace diversity.
“Based on this history, I believe that the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Games – to be held under the slogan ‘Imagine One Asia’ – will be a significant chance for Asian countries and people to strengthen their bonds once more through sport.”
The OCA Vice President (East Asia) said that, with just two years remaining until the Aichi-Nagoya Games, he was confident that everyone involved would put in their best efforts to make the event a great success at this critical time.
He thanked Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya City and organising committee AINAGOC for their dedication to ensure the success of the Aichi-Nagoya Games, which will run from September 19 to October 4, 2026.
Other VIP guests included the Governor of Aichi Prefecture and AINAGOC President Hideaki Ohmura and Nagoya City Mayor Takashi Kawamura, who finished the ceremony with a public performance of the modified Elvis Presley classic “I can’t help falling in love with – Asian people”.
The “Are You Ready?” Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Festival will be held over four rounds from Saturday, September 21 to Saturday, November 2.
