Asian Para Games 2026 officially open in Nagoya, Japan

The fifth edition of the Asian Para Games officially commenced on October 18, 2026, at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Emperor Naruhito declared the games open, marking the start of a competition that features approximately 3,000 athletes from 45 nations competing across 18 sports.

Several sporting events began ahead of the formal opening ceremony. In goalball, Japan’s men’s and women’s teams secured decisive victories against Qatar and Thailand, respectively. India’s goalball teams also recorded wins against Qatar and Thailand. In boccia, Indonesian athletes Handayani and Muhammad Bintang Satria secured significant victories in their respective group stages.

The opening ceremony featured the parade of nations, where the Indian contingent was led by flag-bearers Pramod Bhagat and Simran Sharma. The Indonesian delegation made a notable appearance wearing custom Madura batik outfits designed by Ivan Gunawan, themed ‘Sekar Jagat Vijaya’ to symbolize diversity and victory. The games will run until October 24, serving as a key preparatory event for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.