The foreign ministry said Thursday it will dispatch a joint government rapid response team to Nagoya, Japan, during the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games to help prevent and respond to incidents involving Korean nationals. The nine-member team consists of officials from the foreign ministry, the National Intelligence Service and the National Counter-Terrorism Center, and will be deployed from Thursday through Oct. 4, according to the ministry. The team will work to prevent incidents involving Koreans, establish a cooperation system with local security authorities and monitor security and terrorism trends. "The number of Koreans visiting Nagoya is expected to rise markedly during this year's Chuseok holiday," the ministry said. "We will conduct safety checks around competition venues and major tourist attractions, promote safe overseas travel and provide prompt consular assistance in the event of incidents," it added.

NAGOYA, Japan — The main batch of the Korean delegation to the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games arrived in the main host city in central Japan on Thursday, with their sights set on challenging the host country in the medal race set to begin this weekend. The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) said 122 athletes and officials from six sports arrived at Chubu Centrair International Airport in Tokoname, some 30 kilometers south of Nagoya. They are joining athletes in sports such as football, volleyball and basketball, whose competition has already started in and around Nagoya. The opening ceremony is Saturday and the competition will close Oct. 4. The KSOC is targeting around 45 gold medals, with Korea competing in 41 out of 43 sports. China is expected to dominate the medal race once again, leaving Korea and Japan to duel for second place. At the previous Asiad three years ago, Japan finished second with 52 gold medals, 10 more than third-ranked Korea. Table tennis player Shin Yu-bin and badminton player Seo Seung-jae led the delegation's march through the Japanese airport upon arrival. They

Knights legend Andrew Johns speaks about the turnaround in Kalyn Ponga's mindset this season.

Former Australia cricket selector Merv Hughes has given insight into the battle facing under-pressure Test No.3 Marnus Labuschagne.

The Wallaroos, who took plenty from a last-start battle with world-beating England, can return to the winner's circle in France.

Giants captain Toby Greene has decided to join Geelong, ending his 15-year career with the expansion club.

The 22-year-old returned a positive roadside reading for cocaine after he was pulled over by police after driving at 109km/h in a 60km/h zone.

Stephen Hoiles and Wycliff Palu have been confirmed as Michael Cheika's NSW Waratahs assistants as the club again attracts private ownership interest.

Cast an eye to the future and consider who the first rugby league Immortal of the women’s game may be. Ali Brigginshaw must be at the front of the debate.

Chris Fagan has options for the match-up with Hawks star Nick Watson. Meanwhile, the mayhem that followed Sydney’s historic preliminary final victory over Essendon 30 years ago didn’t exactly make everybody happy.

Trainer Joe Pride hopes for another eye-catching finish from King’s Secret against elite opposition on Saturday before chasing easier options in the spring.

NBL veteran Chris Goulding has eyes on only one prize after Melbourne United pulled together a star-studded roster under new coach Jacob Chance.

The most-important player from every team in every grade.

GWS are describing a list overhaul, headlined by Toby Greene leaving for Geelong, as resetting rather than rebuilding.

Shane Flanagan reveals why he is not opposed to applying for the vacant assistant coaching job at the Wests Tigers.

Perth Wildcats coach John Rillie says his side’s point guard position will be played “by committee” in Saturday’s NBL season opener, with two key backcourt pieces unable to take to the floor.

Toby Greene's looming move from GWS to Geelong is the latest in a string of draft and trade successes for the perennial powerhouse Cats.

Andrew Johns says current NRL players need to do a better job targeting injured rivals, with Braydon Trindall and Nathan Cleary both playing wounded.

Sydney coach Dean Cox acknowledges the support of Swans fans as the club continues to navigate a difficult time, with a preliminary final against Fremantle looming.

Aware of the criticism the Lions stalwart has copped, Chris Fagan was moved by the crowd chanting Eric Hipwood's name during their finals defeat of Adelaide.

A long-awaited return headlines Sydney’s preliminary final team, but the Swans have resisted making too many changes to their winning formula.

Gillingham’s youngsters are making such an impression that some of the club’s senior players could find it difficult to win their shirts back.

While none of the five suspended Swans will be at Crown Palladium on Monday night, their teammates and coaches will be if Sydney don’t make the grand final.

A Hunters Hill player has been suspended for 42 matches after being found guilty of making contact with a referee during last weekend’s Subbies decider.

The latest news and gossip from around the grounds in Canberra.

Trainer David Pfieffer wants to see Ice Kool back to his best at Randwick on Saturday before taking him to Melbourne for straight-track features this spring.

Chilly Girl was shaded in the Furious Stakes but the run has given co-trainer Sterling Alexiou confidence she can thrive up front over 1400m in the Tea Rose.

Coach Dean Cox could be forced into making two changes for Friday night’s clash with Fremantle - but either way, key forward Joel Amartey won’t be involved.

Sydney winger Justin McInerney and forward Joel Amartey are fit again, but coach Dean Cox will gamble on only one for their finals clash against Fremantle.

Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell says a round 22 face-punching triggered the mirror-looking the Hawks needed to earn a preliminary final shot.