Tokyo Paralympics 2020 opens with colourful opening ceremony
Recommended for Preparatory Grades
Yesterday, on 24 August, the Tokyo Paralympics 2020 opened with a wonderful, colourful opening ceremony. The Paralympics were supposed to have been held in 2020 but it was postponed to this year.
The opening ceremony was held at the Olympics stadium in Tokyo but without any spectators. The concept of the ceremony was based on the concept of ‘We Have Wings’. The organisers said they used the concept to raise awareness of the courage of Paralympians.
Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee, spoke about his joy that the games are finally starting. 714 people performed in the opening ceremony, out of which, 166 of them have impairments (disabilities).
The ceremony had some serious moments too. A rescue worker was among those to carry the Japanese flag into the stadium. They also honoured eight workers who supported the people of Japan in their day-to-day lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Indian shot-putter Tek Chand carried the flag into the stadium at the opening ceremony.
Tokyo Paralympics
About 4,400 Paralympic athletes will compete in 539 medal events across 22 sports in the event. As for India, 54 athletes are competing in the Paralympics this year across nine sports. It is India’s largest-ever contingent.
Currently, Australia is leading the medal tally with 2 gold medals, while the UK and Netherlands are 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Watch the highlights of the ceremony. Video credit: Paralympic Games/Youtube
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