Asian Games president acknowledges politics influencing events

The president of the Olympic Council of Asia, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, expressed concerns about political issues affecting the Asian Games during a media briefing in Nagoya, Japan, on September 19. A notable incident involved Taiwan’s sports minister, Lee Yang, who was temporarily barred from a welcoming ceremony, attributed to a misunderstanding by the organizing committee. Sheikh Joaan remarked on the need to separate sports from politics, emphasizing that protocols about participation are known and should be adhered to. Taiwan competes in these games under the name Chinese Taipei, reflecting its complex political relationship with China.

• 7:00 AMYahoo Sports — Olympic Council of Asia president says politics have already entered into the Asian Games