Team Maldives Participates in the Opening Ceremony of Aichi-Nagoya 2026
The Maldivian contingent participated in the Opening Ceremony of the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, held at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya, Japan, on 19 September 2026.
Leading Team Maldives in the Parade of Nations were shooter Mariyam Eshal Misbah and table tennis player Moosa Munsif Ahmed, who carried the Maldivian national flag as the country’s designated flag bearers. Their entry into the stadium marked the formal commencement of the Maldives’ participation in the largest continental multi-sport event in Asia.
The ceremony brought together athletes and officials from 45 National Olympic Committees and was attended by senior representatives of the international and Asian sporting movements. Emperor Naruhito formally declared the Games open, while the programme featured cultural performances reflecting the heritage and identity of the host region. The ceremony concluded with the arrival of the Games flame and the lighting of the cauldron.
The Maldives is represented by 42 athletes competing across seven sports: athletics, badminton, beach volleyball, shooting, surfing, swimming and table tennis. The athletes are supported by team officials, medical personnel and members of the administrative delegation throughout the Games.
Aichi-Nagoya 2026 will continue until 4 October, with athletes from across Asia competing in 43 sports at venues located throughout Aichi Prefecture and other parts of Japan.
