Asian Games, Day1. Japan make winning debut at home, Philippines start with double triumph

NAGOYA, Japan – A queue had already formed outside the Nagoya City Higashi Sports Center before the doors opened, marking the start of the first day of the XX Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026. The home crowd then witnessed the winning debut of Japan (host nation) in the men’s draw, with Ando/Nakamura defeating El Hallak-Tohme (Lebanon) in three sets, 7-6, 2-6, 6-4, in the round of 32.

 

A strong debut also for the Philippines. In the women’s event, Abad/Malazarte defeated Kurdi/Alabdullatif of Saudi Arabia. “We’re grateful to be here,” said Abad. “Adding another sport, such as padel, gives more players in the Philippines the opportunity to represent our country.” Malazarte also commented: “We’re euphoric because this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You only get the opportunity to compete at the Asian Games every four years, so we’re really happy with today’s match.” The Philippines also secured a win in the men’s event, with Lapidus/Canizares defeating Indonesia’s Edison/Soemarno.

 

Also notable were the debut victories for Kuwait and Iran in the women’s event, and Kazakhstan and Hong Kong in the men’s event. Day 2, Tuesday 29 September, will begin at 9am with the conclusion of the first-round matches. In the afternoon, the round of 16 will get underway not before 4pm local time.