The Asian Games 2026 will officially get underway on September 19 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with the opening ceremony drawing athletes from around the world. Indian sports fans can watch the ceremony live on television and online.
The 20th edition of the Asian Games is held from September 19 to October 4, 2026, across the Aichi-Nagoya region of Japan.
When is the opening ceremony of the Asian Games 2026?
The opening ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026.
For Indian viewers the ceremony will begin at 2:30 PM IST and will last until around 4:30 PM. In Japan the ceremony will occur from 6 PM to 8 PM JST.
The ceremony will officially mark the beginning of the continental sporting event but there are already competitions to begin before the official opening.
Where will the Opening Ceremony take place?
The ceremony will be held at Paloma Mizuho Stadium, also known as Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, in Nagoya.
It was planned to have an opening ceremony on the theme of “Harmonic Heart Beat” where the heartbeat was depicted as the sign of athletes and people coming together through sport.
Where can Indians watch it live?
In India, the opening ceremony of the Asian Games can be watched on Sony's broadcast and streaming platforms.
Television:
Sony Sports Network will provide live coverage. Reports indicate that Sony Sports 1 and Sony Sports 5 will carry the ceremony, with regional-language coverage also available on other Sony Sports channels.
Online:
The ceremony will be streamed live on SonyLIV through its app and website in India.
DD Sports:
DD Sports is also providing television coverage of the Asian Games, including availability through DD Free Dish.
Where can one watch the Opening Ceremony for free?
For viewers who are looking for a free option, DD Sports through DD Free Dish is the best TV option reported for India.
Online viewers should check the SonyLIV listing and access requirements before attending the ceremony. There are currently reports that SonyLIV is the official digital streaming platform but doesn’t show that the online stream is free.
India’s Flag-Bearers
India's contingent will be represented at the opening ceremony by Manu Bhaker and Pawan Sehrawat. Bhaker is a two-time Olympic medalist and Sehrawat is one of India's top Kabaddi players.
Earlier shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor was to be named alongside Bhaker, but Pawan Sehrawat replaced him in the ceremony.
