Japan PM Sanae Takaichi Welcomes Athletes As Asian Para Games Open

A total of 168 athletes will represent India at Aichi-Nagoya.© X (Formerly Twitter)

As the Asian Para Games opening ceremony got underway in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Sunday, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi welcomed athletes and officials from across the continent. She praised the athletes' determination and resilience, acknowledged the support of their families and teams, and expressed hope that the seven-day competition, featuring 18 sports until October 24, would inspire people and showcase the potential of para sports. “Today, the fifth Asian Para Games (2026 Aichi-Nagoya), Asia's largest para-sports event held once every four years, will commence. This marks the first time the Asian Para Games will be hosted in Japan. I extend my deepest gratitude to all those who have dedicated their efforts to preparing for this event. I warmly welcome the many athletes and officials visiting Japan from countries and regions across Asia,” Takaichi wrote in a post on X.

本日、4年に1度のアジア最大の「パラスポーツ」の祭典である「第5回アジアパラ競技大会（2026／愛知・名古屋）」が開幕します。 「アジアパラ競技大会」が日本で開催されるのは、初めてとなります。 本大会の開催に向けて準備に御尽力いただいた全ての関係者の皆様に、深く感謝申し上げます。 アジアの国・地域から、訪日される多くの選手や関係者の皆様を、心から歓迎申し上げます。 選手の皆様には、自らの限界に果敢に挑戦し、互いを尊重し支え合いながら、アジア最高の舞台で、持てる力を存分に発揮されることを期待しております。 ひたむきに挑戦する姿、最後まであきらめずに挑み続ける姿は、「パラスポーツ」の魅力や可能性を広く社会に伝える契機となることと思います。 これまで選手を支え続けてこられた御家族や多くの関係者の皆様にも、心から敬意を表します。 本大会は、10月24日までの7日間にわたり、アジアの「トップパラアスリート」の方々が、18の競技で熱い戦いを繰り広げます。 選手の皆様のご健闘を心から祈念いたしますとともに、本大会が多くの方々に勇気と感動を届ける素晴らしいものとなることを願っております。

— 高市早苗 (@takaichi_sanae) October 18, 2026

“To the athletes, I look forward to your bold challenges against your own limits as you respect and support one another while fully demonstrating your abilities on Asia's biggest stage. Your steadfast pursuit of excellence and your determination to keep striving until the very end will undoubtedly help convey the appeal and potential of para sports to a wider audience,” she added.

“I also offer my heartfelt respect to the families and numerous individuals who have continued to support the athletes. Over the next seven days, until October 24, Asia's top para-athletes will compete fiercely across 18 sports. I sincerely wish all the athletes success and hope this event will inspire and encourage people across the region,” she said.

For the first time in Asian Para Games history, all 45 member nations are set to participate, underlining the growing reach, inclusivity and unity of the Paralympic movement across Asia.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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