Nagoya, Oct. 24 (Jiji Press)–The 2026 Asian Para Games came to a close on Saturday after Japan, which hosted the para sports event for the first time, won a record 64 gold medals. At the Aichi-Nagoya Games, a total of about 3,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions competed in 18 sports, mainly in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan. The host nation won 186 total medals, finishing second only to China. At the closing ceremony at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya, the capital of Aichi, Akito Minai, who won three gold medals in swimming, served as Japan’s flag bearer. Crown Prince Akishino, the honorary president of the Games, and Crown Princess Kiko were among attendees. On the final day, Japan’s Kazuki Takahashi and Ayaka Sekine won the mixed BC3 class pairs final in boccia, beating Singapore. Established stars, such as wheelchair tennis player Tokito Oda, delivered strong performances, while newcomers, including 14-year-old swimmer Ryuga Yamada, also reached the podium, signaling the emergence of a new generation of para athletes. Meanwhile, about 40 mobile lodging units used to house athletes during the 2026 Asian Games and Asian Para Games will be repurposed as temporary housing for people affected by a powerful earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, in July, according to Aichi Governor Hideaki Omura, head of the organizing committee. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
