Asian Games opens with unity message after troubled build-up

NAGOYA, Japan — The 20th Asian Games opened in Japan on Saturday with a message of unity following a troubled build-up to the multi-sport spectacular that has more athletes than the Olympics. There were however a large number of empty seats at the 30,000-capacity stadium in Nagoya, where a subdued crowd saw a colourful opening ceremony with the main stage in the shape of a giant heart. Japan's Emperor and Empress were given a respectful reception as they took their seats, with International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry also in attendance. The first gold medal will be won on Sunday morning, likely in the men's individual triathlon, as the continent's finest athletes compete in more than 40 sports before the curtain comes down on October 4. The event in Nagoya and Aichi prefecture has 2028 Olympics places up for grabs in seven sports and will be graced by global stars and fast-rising prodigies. But it has been dogged by a series of problems in the lead-up. The more than 11,000 athletes and 6,000 officials stretched organisers to the limit as they scrambled to find accommodation for everyone. To save money there is no traditional athletes' village, competitors instead staying in a combination of temporary container-style huts, hotels...