Doha [Qatar], September 10: Qatar's basketball team will face Iran on Thursday as they kick off their campaign at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.
The Qatari national basketball team are scheduled to meet their Iran in their opening match of the 20th Asian Games (Aichi-Nagoya 2026), which officially opens in Japan on September 19 and runs until October 4.
Torrential rain hit Japan on Tuesday, prompting an emergency flood warning for a major river in the region, as roads, railway tracks and other infrastructure were inundated.
Agencies reported that rainwater was found in several competition venues but Nagoya Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa said the facilities were not seriously affected and that events would go on as scheduled.
"There has been limited impact like rainwater leaking from the roofs of some buildings, but the situation is not so serious that the opening on the 19th is in jeopardy for now," he said.
"Given the current circumstances, I believe there will be no obstacles to holding the Asian Games."
More than 17,000 athletes and officials are expected at the Games -- a bigger number than the Olympics.
The draw has placed Qatar in Group B alongside Iran, Jordan, and Chinese Taipei.
Qatar will play their second match on Saturday against Jordan, before concluding their preliminary round matches on Sunday against Chinese Taipei.
The men's basketball tournament features 12 teams divided into three groups.
Group A consists of Japan, Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia; Group B includes Qatar, Iran, Jordan, and Chinese Taipei; and Group C comprises China, the Philippines, Bahrain, and Kazakhstan.
The knockout stage will take place after the conclusion of the group stage, culminating in the final on Sunday, September 20, which will determine the men's basketball champion.
The Qatari national basketball team has completed their preparations for the Games, having held a training camp in Turkey last month. Following the camp, they played two matches against China and Japan as part of the second round of the Asian qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup (Qatar 2027).
Qatar are participating in the 20th Asian Games (Aichi-Nagoya 2026) with a delegation of 243 athletes, comprising 184 men and 59 women, representing 18 sports federations.
They are aiming for outstanding results that will enhance Qatari sports' presence on the Asian stage. The disciplines in which Qatar is participating include athletics, football, basketball, 3x3 basketball, handball, volleyball, beach volleyball, squash, padel, taekwondo, judo, artistic gymnastics, golf, shooting, swimming, jiu-jitsu, esports, sailing, equestrian, karate, fencing, archery, wrestling, boxing, weightlifting, and table tennis.
Qatar athletes have won 14 medals at the previous Games held in Hangzhou, China, in 2023, including 5 gold, 6 silver, and 3 bronze.
Source: Qatar Tribune