Sports · Other Sports · 1 hr ago
Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games open with record 45 countries and regions
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games open in Japan on Sunday, bringing together athletes from across Asia.
Around 4,000 athletes and officials from a record 45 countries and regions are expected to take part.
The weeklong event features 18 sports, mainly in Nagoya and other cities in Aichi Prefecture.
Japan will field about 280 athletes, while India has sent 168 athletes to compete in 11 sports.
Some events are qualifiers for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics, and the wheelchair tennis singles champions will qualify directly.
The Games are intended to raise awareness of people with disabilities in Japan, following the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021.
The Games are scheduled to run through Saturday, October 24.
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games are opening in Japan with participants from a record 45 countries and regions.
The weeklong event features 18 sports and runs through October 24.
Around 4,000 athletes and officials are expected, according to Mainichi, while Sportstar reports around 3,000 athletes.
Japan is fielding about 280 athletes, and India has sent 168 athletes as part of a 281-member contingent.
Some events will serve as qualifiers for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.
- Who
- Athletes and officials from 45 countries and regions are taking part; the sources give differing estimates of athlete numbers.
- What
- The fifth Asian Para Games are opening, with competitions across 18 sports.
- When
- The opening ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, October 18, 2026; the Games run through October 24.
- Where
- Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with events primarily in Nagoya and other cities in Aichi Prefecture.
- Why
- Organizers hope the Games will raise awareness of people with disabilities in Japan; some events also qualify athletes for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The opening ceremony torch relay began in Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture, before passing through other cities in the prefecture.
The opening ceremony is scheduled to begin in Nagoya, opening the weeklong Games.
The Games are scheduled to end.
- Participating delegations
- Record 45 countries and regions; Sportstar describes them as 45 National Paralympic Committees
- Sports
- 18
- Japan contingent
- About 280 athletes, according to Mainichi
- India contingent
- 281 people: 168 athletes and 113 officials and support staff
- Paralympic qualifiers
- Some events qualify athletes for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics
4 sources
Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games kick off with record 45 countries, regions
Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games to open with record 45 countries, regions
Asian Para Games 2026 opening ceremony: When and where to watch LIVE in India, time, and flag-bearers