Japan opens 2026 Asian Para Games in Nagoya as first-time host
Japan’s team of about 280 athletes aims to surpass its Asian Para Games record of 198 medals as Aichi and Shizuoka host 18 sports through Saturday.
- The 2026 Asian Para Games have officially opened in Nagoya, marking the first time Japan has hosted the event.
- Approximately 3,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions are set to compete in the Games.
- Emperor Naruhito gave the opening declaration for the event, which is the fifth edition of the Asian Para Games.
- The competition will feature 18 sports held in Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures.
About 3,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions are set to compete at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games, which opened in Nagoya on Sunday (October 18, 2026).
Japan is hosting the event for the first time.
With about 280 athletes entered, Japan is aiming to beat its Asian Para Games record of 198 medals, set at the 2018 competition in Jakarta.
The Aichi-Nagoya programme comprises 18 sports, with competition scheduled in Aichi and neighbouring Shizuoka Prefecture through Saturday.
The event follows the Asian Games, which ended on October 4.
Emperor Naruhito gave the opening declaration for the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Games at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya, the capital of Aichi Prefecture in central Japan.
Crown Prince Akishino, the Games’ honorary president, also attended with Crown Princess Kiko.
Tokito Oda, a Japanese wheelchair tennis player, took the athletes’ oath alongside other participants.
Para alpine skier Momoka Muraoka, also from Japan, joined the final group of torchbearers.
Oita Prefecture in south-western Japan hosted the inaugural Far East and South Pacific Games for the Disabled (FESPIC) in 1975.
The Asian Para Games followed in 2010 as FESPIC’s successor, and Aichi-Nagoya is staging the fifth edition.
[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
