The 2026 Asian Games organisers faced fresh embarrassment on Friday after the traditional flagโhoisting ceremony involving countries like India was delayed and eventually disrupted.
The organisers of the 2026 Asian Games faced another embarrassing instance after the traditional flag-hoisting ceremony was delayed and then eventually disrupted on Friday.
Many countries, including India, were part of the traditional ceremony, which was supposed to take place before the quadrennial sporting event kicked off.
The Asian Games 2026 has already faced major logistical and accommodation-related hurdles, and the latest setback adds to the chaos in Aichi-Nagoya.
India hit by delay during traditional flag ceremony
The traditional flag-hoisting ceremony at Garden Pier, Nagoya, initially suffered a 20-minute delay before it was eventually disrupted. Five nations — Yemen, North Korea, Palestine, India and Timor-Leste — were part of the flag ceremony.
India’s deputy chief-de-mission Sharath Kamal and Anjali Bhagwat had started making their way to the ceremony dais but headed back to the waiting zone after local organisers confirmed the delay.
The organisers, however, offered nothing specific in explanation for the disruption.
“We are sorry for the delay. There is some trouble with a team. We will try to restore in another 15 minutes,” a statement from the local organisers said.
What is the flag ceremony at Asian Games?
The traditional flagโhoisting ceremony served as an official welcome for a contingent arriving in the host nation to participate in the Asian Games. India’s four deputy chief-de-missions: A Sharath Kamal, Lijo David Thottan, Alaknanda Ashok and Anjali Bhagwat were present for the ceremony.
More from SportsNotably, the ceremony took place near the container-style accommodations where the athletes were residing.
To cut costs, Asian Games organisers housed athletes in containerโstyle rooms, a cruise ship, and hotels instead of building a traditional Games Village. But the plan quickly descended into chaos when athletes arriving in Nagoya were left stranded for hours.
Athletes and coaches complained of delays, while cramped lodging facilities added to their distress at the Asian Games.