The Asian Games 2026 were formally opened at the Mizuho Park Athletics Stadium in Nagoya, Japan, with Emperor Naruhito declaring the Games open. The opening ceremony carried the theme of unity and oneness under the concept "Harmonic Heart Beat". Pawan Sehrawat and Manu Bhaker led the Indian contingent in the parade of nations. The heart-shaped cauldron was lit by Shigenobu Murofushi, joined by his son Koji Murofushi.