Tehran, Iran, August 9, 2026: Japan has pledged to provide full cooperation and support to ensure Iran’s delegation can travel to and participate at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya next month without complications.
This support was conveyed by Tsukada Tamaki, Ambassador of Japan to the Islamic Republic of Iran, during a visit last week to the headquarters of the National Olympic Committee of Iran in Tehran where he held talks with NOC President Mahmoud Khosravi Vafa.
Khosravi Vafa welcomed the Japanese Ambassador and referred to recent events in the region. He said it had created a bond between Iran and Japan, drawing a parallel to the resilience demonstrated historically by the people of Hiroshima.
The Iran NOC President said the hardships faced by his country had only strengthened the resolve of Iran’s athletes. He also highlighted the logistical complexities facing the Iranian delegation bound for Nagoya, and called for support from Games organisers and the Japanese Embassy.
On his part, the Ambassador underscored the power of sport, noting that it transcended political divides, a sentiment illustrated by Iran’s performance at the FIFA World Cup where they finished unbeaten in all three of their group games.
Acknowledging Iran’s plans to send one of the largest delegations to the Asian Games, over 300 athletes, the Ambassador reassured the NOC that their concerns were well-founded and that the Japanese Embassy would work closely with the Games Organising Committee to provide solutions.
“You should have no concerns in this regard,” the Ambassador said.
The meeting was also attended by NOC Secretary General Dr. Mahdi Alinejad, Iranian delegation Chef de Mission Dr. Asghar Rahimi and the Advisor to NOC President, Farid Fattahian, among others.