Nagoya, Oct. 18 (Jiji Press)–The opening ceremony of the first Japan-hosted Asian Para Games took place at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya, the capital of Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, on Sunday, officially marking the start of the 2026 Games. About 3,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions are scheduled to participate. The Japanese delegation has entered about 280 athletes. At the opening ceremony, Japanese Emperor Naruhito declared the opening of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games. The ceremony was also attended by Crown Prince Akishino, the honorary president of the Games, and Crown Princess Kiko. Japanese Para alpine skier Momoka Muraoka and others served as the final torchbearers. Japanese wheelchair tennis player Tokito Oda and others took the athletes’ oath. Following the Asian Games, which concluded on Oct. 4, a total of 18 sports will be contested in Aichi and neighboring Shizuoka Prefecture through Saturday. The Japanese delegation aims to break its record medal haul of 198, set at the 2018 Games in Jakarta. The Asian Para Games are the successor to FESPIC (Far East and South Pacific Games for the Disabled). The first FESPIC Games were held in Oita Prefecture, southwestern Japan, in 1975. The first Asian Para Games were held in 2010, and this is the 5th Asian Para Games. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
