Wrong national anthems played three times at Asian Para Games in Japan
The Iranian national anthem was mistakenly played for Taiwanese and Mongolian athletes at the Asian Para Games in Japan, prompting Nagoya Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa to apologize for the third such incident.
Wrong national anthems were played three times at the Asian Para Games in Japan's Nagoya this week, prompting the mayor to apologize weeks after the city hosted the mishap-plagued Asian Games. The Iranian national anthem was played for athletes from Taiwan and Mongolia, with officials acknowledging the errors despite previous promises to prevent such mistakes.
Ceremony mistakes
On Monday, a Taiwanese athlete won a men's para taekwondo competition, but the Iranian anthem was played in its entirety. Later that day, during a women's para taekwondo ceremony, the Iranian anthem was again played as a Mongolian competitor received her gold medal.
The incorrect music was stopped after the Mongolian delegation pointed out the error. Organizers then played the Mongolian anthem after the music was provided by the delegation. Separately, officials broadcast the South Korean anthem for about five seconds instead of the Chinese one before a sitting volleyball match between China and Iran.
These things happened during the Asian Games, so, of course, the operations were reviewed and examined based on the lessons learned. The fact that it happened again is really just unacceptable.
Previous issues
The Asian Games, which concluded in early October, faced heavy criticism for shortcomings including inadequate accommodations for athletes and the playing of wrong national anthems. On September 18, organizers played North Korea's national anthem for the South Korean hockey team.
It is unacceptable, or rather, it's painful. I am very sorry about it.
The Asian Para Games is taking place in the central Japanese hub city through Saturday, featuring about 4,000 athletes and officials in 18 sports. Mayor Hirosawa expressed regret for the anthem errors while noting the tournament was otherwise progressing smoothly.
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