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Tokyo: Japan officially kicked off its countdown to the 20th Asian Games with a torch-lighting ceremony in Tokyo. Japanese sprinter Yoshihide Kiryu lit the torch at National Stadium for the multisport spectacle taking place in Nagoya and Aichi from September 19 to October 4.
Following the Tokyo event, a ceremony in Hiroshima will allow two flames to unite in Nagoya to launch the torch relay. The continental Games expect roughly 15,000 competitors and officials.
Featured participants include Philippine tennis sensation Alexandra Eala, 15-year-old Indian cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and 13-year-old Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi.
Kiryu noted that live fan cheers empower athletes after previous pandemic-era restrictions. Competitors will stay in various accommodations, including a cruise ship docked during typhoon season.
