Nagoya: Three-time world boxing champion Huang Hsiao-wen and wushu athlete Zhang Huan-yi carried the flag for Taiwan at the Asian Games opening ceremony in Nagoya, Japan, on Saturday, leading a delegation competing under the name "Chinese Taipei."

According to Focus Taiwan, the delegation entered Paloma Mizuho Stadium 36th in the parade of athletes, positioned in the "T" section, following Syria and preceding Tajikistan. A total of 110 members, including athletes and coaching staff, participated in the ceremony, while 482 Taiwanese athletes are set to compete in 34 sports throughout the games.

Huang, participating in an Asian Games opening ceremony for the first time, expressed surprise at being chosen as a flag bearer, noting she had never expected to take on the role. She researched how other flag bearers performed their duties and hoped to fulfill her role alongside Zhang, aiming to "keep smiling" during the event.

Zhang, who previously won a bronze medal in the men's under-70-kg wushu sanda event at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, shared his initial surprise and anxiety upon being asked to serve as a flag bearer. He expressed hope to perform his duties well.

The opening ceremony, themed "Harmonic Heart Beat," marked the official start of the Asian Games, emphasizing connections among athletes across Asia through sport. The ceremony was directed by Japanese filmmaker Yukihiko Tsutsumi, known for his work on "The Kindaichi Case Files" and "Ikebukuro West Gate Park."

The games will unfold at venues across Japan, primarily in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, with some events also scheduled in Tokyo and other locations.