Japan’s Emperor Naruhito officially declared the fifth Asian Para Games open on Sunday, launching the continental sporting spectacle at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Aichi-Nagoya. The Games, which run until October 24, will bring together thousands of athletes from 45 Asian nations under the motto “Imagine One Heart,” celebrating sporting excellence, inclusion and unity in what marks a historic milestone for the event.
This edition holds special significance as all 45 Asian nations are represented for the first time in the history of the Asian Para Games. The opening ceremony featured addresses by Asian Paralympic Committee President Majid Rashed and Hideaki Ohmura, president of the Aichi-Nagoya Games and Asian Para Games Organising Committee. Rashed welcomed the participating nations and congratulated the athletes on overcoming barriers to reach the continental stage.
While the ceremony formally opened the competition, several events had already gotten underway. Japan claimed victories in the preliminary rounds of both the men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball competitions on Friday, while India’s men’s and women’s goalball teams recorded wins over Qatar and Thailand, respectively, on Saturday.
India’s contingent took centre stage during the parade of nations, with para-badminton star Pramod Bhagat and para-athlete Simran Sharma carrying the Tricolour as the country’s flag-bearers. The duo led the Indian delegation at the ceremony held at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya.
India’s representation also stood out for its ceremonial attire. The contingent wore deep blue blazers featuring golden motifs inspired by the Indus Valley Civilisation, incorporating images of the iconic Priest-King sculpture and the Dancing Girl figurine, alongside ancient seals reflecting the civilisation’s distinctive symbols and script. The blazers carried the Indian Tricolour on the pocket, close to the heart, while the collar paid tribute to SaptSindhu, the land of the seven rivers, blending India’s sporting ambitions with its cultural heritage.
The Indian contingent comprises 281 members, including 168 athletes — 112 men and 56 women — who will compete across 11 disciplines as the country looks to build on its performances from previous editions.
The choice of flag bearers underwent a late change ahead of the ceremony. The Paralympic Committee of India had initially named Bhagat and para-table tennis player Bhavina Patel for the honour, before Simran replaced Patel to allow her to rest ahead of her quarter-final scheduled for Monday, October 19. The decision factored in the nearly six-hour round journey to and from the ceremony venue. With Patel competing in a wheelchair and facing a crucial knockout match the following day, the contingent’s management prioritised her recovery and preparation.
The Asian Para Games will continue through October 24, with India aiming to make its presence felt across the 11 sporting disciplines. For the athletes assembled in Aichi-Nagoya, the opening ceremony marked the beginning of a week of competition that places ability, determination and sporting achievement at its heart.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/asian-para-games-2026-officially-declared-open-by-emperor-naruhito
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Publish Date: 2026-10-18 17:17:00
