Asian Para Games open in Nagoya, with 45 countries and regions taking part

The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games opened on October 18 at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya, beginning seven days of competition in Japan’s first hosting of the event. Delegations from 45 countries and regions are taking part, with 18 sports scheduled through October 24. Nikkei reported that the number of participating countries and regions was the largest in the event’s history. The emperor attended the opening ceremony and declared the Games open. [ 6 , 9 , 12 ]

Nikkei and Mainichi reported delegations totalling about 4,000 people, while Jiji Press put the number of athletes expected to compete at about 3,000. Japan entered about 280 athletes across all 18 sports. The Japanese delegation entered last during the ceremony, led by flag bearers from athletics and wheelchair rugby, Nikkei reported. Crown Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko also attended the ceremony. [ 6 , 9 , 12 , 13 ]

Mainichi reported that the Games aim to help realise an inclusive society that respects diversity. The ceremony used audio and captions to explain events and performers’ movements so that people with disabilities could also enjoy it. Athletes will stay in container housing and hotels rather than a newly built athletes’ village. Organisers said they would draw on lessons from transport and accommodation problems at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, which ended on October 4. [ 12 ]

The event succeeds the FESPIC Games, which began in Oita Prefecture in 1975. The first Asian Para Games under the current format were held in 2010, making this the fifth edition, according to Nikkei and Jiji Press. After the ceremony, the emperor expressed hope that the event would deepen understanding of para sports and broaden recognition of the importance of a barrier-free society, Nikkei reported. [ 9 , 13 ]