UAE athletes gear up for Asian Games challenge

A 165-athlete UAE delegation is gearing up to compete at the 20th Asian Games, which opens in Japan's Aichi-Nagoya on Saturday.

His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee, highlighted the country's growing record of success at the continental sporting event and praised the achievements of Emirati athletes over the years.

He said the UAE's sporting accomplishments continue to inspire new generations, reflecting both the dedication of athletes and the support provided by the country's leadership.

The UAE enters its 13th Asian Games appearance with a historic medal tally of 60 medals across 11 sports, including 12 gold, 21 silver and 27 bronze medals.

The Emirati delegation includes 117 men and 48 women competing in sports ranging from athletics and swimming to jiu-jitsu, cycling, golf and equestrian events.

Aichi-Nagoya 2026 will also mark the UAE's Asian Games debut in modern pentathlon and padel.

More than 11,000 athletes from 45 nations are taking part in the Games, which feature 43 sports and 71 disciplines, and are regarded as the world's second-largest multi-sport event after the Summer Olympics.

The opening ceremony will be held at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletics Stadium under the slogan ‘Imagine One Asia’.

This is the third time Japan is hosting the Games, following Tokyo in 1958 and Hiroshima in 1994.