NAGOYA — The 20th Asian Games will open in Japan later Saturday with a glittering ceremony following a stuttering build-up to a multi-sport spectacular that has more participants than the Olympics.

The first gold medal will be won on Sunday morning, likely in the men’s individual triathlon, and will be followed by 468 more 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.

But it has been dogged by a series of problems in the lead-up.

The 17,000 participants – more than the Olympics – stretched organisers to the limit as they scrambled to find accommodation for everyone.

To save money, there is no traditional athletes’ village, with competitors instead staying in a combination of temporary container-style huts, hotels and the cruise ship Costa Serena.

To add to the issues, there was a record deluge last week which flooded parts of Nagoya city, while a tropical storm is approaching eastern Japan and could cause further disruption on Sunday and Monday.

Some athletes were left stranded at the airport when transport failed to turn up, while several teams have complained about the quality of the huts, including 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.

“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.