Tokyo, Sept. 29 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s delegation to the upcoming Asian Para Games held a team-forming ceremony at a hotel in Tokyo on Tuesday. The Asian Para Games will run from Oct. 18 to 24 following the closing of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Sunday. Tuesday’s ceremony was attended by about 120 people, mainly athletes. “I’d be delighted if (the event) helps spread the charm of parasports to as many people as possible,” sprinter Moe Nakagawa, who is set to serve as Japan’s flagbearer at the opening ceremony of the multisport festival, said. “I hope to work to make the event a huge success as a member of the Japanese team, while remembering to be thankful,” she added. Wheelchair rugby player Katsuya Hashimoto, who will also serve as the country’s flagbearer, said, “I’ll compete fairly and squarely.” The upcoming quadrennial event will feature 18 sports, with Japanese athletes expected to seek a medal haul in their home Asian Para Games. Hiroyuki Misaka, who heads the Japanese delegation, expressed his hopes for athletes to compete without holding back. “I hope that they show everything that they’ve built through their experiences, without fearing failure or limiting their own potential,” he said. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
