New Delhi, Sept. 19 -- The 20th Asian Games officially opened in Nagoya on Saturday, with Japan's Emperor Naruhito declaring the continental sporting extravaganza open at a colourful ceremony at the Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium.
The two-hour opening ceremony combined traditional Japanese elements with high-tech visuals, although the event was held before a stadium with several vacant sections after a turbulent build-up to the Games.
Emperor Naruhito attended the ceremony alongside Empress Masako and other members of the Japanese imperial family. Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) president Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani and International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Kirsty Coventry were also present.
The ceremony began with the Japanese...