Nagoya [Japan], October 18 : As the Asian Para Games opening ceremony gets underway in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Sunday, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi welcomed all the athletes and officials from across Asia. 
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 highlight the potential of para sports.
“Today, the fifth Asian Para Games (2026/Aichi-Nagoya), Asia's largest festival of "para sports" 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 the individuals involved who have dedicated their efforts to the preparations for this event. I warmly welcome the many athletes and related personnel visiting Japan from countries and regions across Asia, “ Takaichi wrote in an X post. 
https://x.com/takaichi_sanae/status/2111645469277552780?s=20
“To the athletes, I look forward to your bold challenges against your own limits, as you respect and support one another, fully demonstrating your abilities on Asia's premier stage. Your steadfast pursuit of challenges and your unyielding determination to keep striving until the very end will undoubtedly serve as an opportunity to convey the appeal and potential of "para sports" widely to society, “ she added. 
“I also offer my heartfelt respect to the families and numerous individuals who have continued to support the athletes up to this point. Over the next seven days until October 24, the Asian "top para athletes" will engage in fierce competitions across 18 events. I sincerely pray for the success of all the athletes and hope that this event will be a magnificent one that delivers courage and inspiration to many people, “ she concluded. 
For the first time in Asian Para Games history, all 45 nations are set to participate in the event, underscoring the growing reach, inclusivity and unity of the Paralympic movement across Asia.