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Japan is hosting the Asian Games for the first time in 32 years, with the opening set to kick off later on Saturday.
The first gold medal will be won on Sunday morning and will be followed by 468 more in more than 40 sports before the tournament concludes on October 4.
More participants than the Olympics
The event in Nagoya and Aichi prefecture will be seeing 17,000 participants take part in a wide range of sports, the athlete number reaching more than the Olympics, stretching the organisers to accommodate everyone.
While the excitement remains all-time high, the road till the opening has been anything but smooth, with the host facing logistic issues.
The Asian Games faces string of issues ahead of opening ceremony
Participants have not been given traditional athletes' village; instead, they are reportedly staying in a combination of temporary container-style huts, hotels and cruise ship the Costa Serena.
Moreover, there was a record deluge last week which flooded parts of Nagoya city and now a tropical storm is approaching eastern Japan that could cause further disruption on Sunday-Monday.
Some athletes were left stranded at the airport when transport failed to turn up and several teams have complained about the quality of the huts, including the beds being too short.
In the latest mishap, North Korea's national anthem was played on Friday for South Korea's men's hockey team, sparking anger and frustration.
"This is a really serious problem," said South Korea coach Min Tae-seok.
On Saturday, with the opening ceremony hours away, India drafted in a new flag-bearer after shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor's luggage did not have his ceremonial kit.
Kabaddi player Pawan Sehrawat will replace him, Indian media said.
The Asian Games, which were first held in 1951, will include athletics, swimming, sepak takraw and kabaddi.
In an effort to attract younger viewers there will also be eSports, breakdancing and BMX cycling.
Notably, Padel, the fast-growing racquet sport, and MMA will make their Asian Games debuts.
