On Sunday, the Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya played host to the elaborate opening ceremony of the 5th Asian Para Games, marking the official commencement of the regional competition. The event opened with traditional performances meant to showcase the cultural heritage of Aichi Prefecture and Japan, though sceptics frequently question the immense financial burdens and logistical complexities associated with hosting such international spectacles.

Delegations from participating nations entered the stadium through a symbolic tree-shaped installation. The Games were officially declared open by Japanese Emperor Naruhito. The ceremony concluded with a torch relay, culminating in the lighting of the Games' cauldron, which was crafted from the soil of Aichi's three renowned pottery centres. The athletic program features competitions across 18 sports, with a total of 492 medal events at stake. The closing ceremony is scheduled for October 24.

The Uzbek delegation purportedly fields over 150 athletes competing across 11 sports disciplines. Organisers highlight that, for the first time in the history of the Games, the nation's parasthletes are participating in wheelchair fencing, boccia, and para-archery. The team's flagbearers for the ceremony were Paralympic taekwondo champion Asadbek Toshtemirov and two-time road paracycling world champion Marjona Pardaboeva, accompanied by various national sports officials.

Source: www.gazeta.uz