New Delhi: On Sunday, October 18, Emperor Naruhito of Japan officially declared the opening of the 5th Asian Para Games at the Nagoya City Mizuho Athletic Stadium in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The Games will run until October 24, bringing together approximately 3,000 athletes from 45 National Paralympic Committees. The Games are being held under the motto “Imagine One Heart.”
India has sent a 281 member contingent, including 168 athletes (112 men and 56 women), who will compete in 11 sports. During the opening ceremony, para-badminton star Pramod Bhagat and sprinter Simran Sharma served as flag-bearers, carrying the Indian tricolour.
The Indian contingent showcased the nation’s cultural heritage by wearing deep blue formal blazers. These blazers featured golden motifs inspired by the Indus Valley Civilization—incorporating motifs such as the Priest-King sculpture, the Dancing Girl statue and elements from ancient seals. The Indian flag was displayed on the blazer’s pocket, while the collar featured a reference to ‘Saptasindhu’ (the land of the seven rivers).
At the opening ceremony, Asian Paralympic Committee President Majid Rashed and Aichi-Nagoya Games Organizing Committee President Hideaki Omura also delivered addresses. India will aim to build on its record-breaking performance at the 2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, where it won a total of 111 medals—comprising 29 gold, 31 silver, and 51 bronze.
