Olympic Council of Asia president says politics have already entered into the Asian Games

The president of the Olympic Council of Asia acknowledged that politics — in the form of a welcoming ceremony involving Taiwan — had already entered into the Asian GamesNAGOYA, Japan -- The president of the Olympic Council of Asia acknowledged Saturday that politics — in the form of a welcoming ceremony involving Taiwan — had already entered into the Asian Games.He did not sound pleased about it, speaking just hours before the official opening ceremony on Saturday.Some events at the Asian Games began several days ago to accommodate a packed schedule and more than 17,000 athletes and officials. Up to 5,000 are housed on a cruise ship.“I don't think, you know, the politicians or politics should be involved in sports,” said Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, speaking with media at the Asian Games. He is the younger brother of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Al Thani.Sheikh Joaan was asked about an incident Friday at the Asian Games in which Taiwan's sports minister, Lee Yang, was temporarily barred from a welcoming ceremony and a flag-raising. Lee was later allowed to participate and the OCA attributed the incident to a misunderstanding.“We don't mix sports with politics and we alre...