Asian Paralympic Committee President Majid Rashed declared the fifth edition of the Asian Para Games closed at a ceremony held at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya that drew Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko. A record 45 countries and regions sent around 4,000 athletes and officials to the event, which unfolded over seven days in Aichi and neighboring Shizuoka prefectures, according to the Emirates News Agency. More than 20 world records fell during competition in 18 sports that included boccia, an event without an Olympic equivalent.
The organizing committee’s medal table showed China finishing first with 207 gold medals and 435 overall while host Japan placed second with a national record 64 golds and 186 total medals. Uzbekistan claimed third position with 45 golds and 145 medals in all, ahead of India which posted a best-ever 114 medals including 30 golds to finish fourth. South Korea ended fifth with 100 medals while the games produced medalists from 33 nations in total.
WAM reported that organizers expressed hope the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games would leave a lasting legacy in fostering a more inclusive society. Acting president of the organizing committee Hirosawa told reporters that even small individual actions could combine into a powerful force for change when it comes to perceptions of disability. The games operated under the theme “Imagine One Heart” and followed the recent Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in the same region.
Rashed praised the athletes in his closing speech for delivering an event that highlighted the growing strength of Para sport throughout Asia. “These games have shown us the growing strength of Para sport in Asia, our shared commitment to sustainability, and the remarkable possibilities that lie ahead for a more inclusive and sustainable future,” he said. The APC flag was then handed over to representatives of Doha, Qatar, the host for the 2030 Asian Para Games.
Japan secured its first gold medal in boccia on the final day of competition by defeating Singapore 4-2 in the mixed pairs BC3 final for athletes with severe physical impairments. Fourteen-year-old swimmer Ryuga Yamada became the youngest Japanese male to win a medal at the games while established competitors such as wheelchair tennis player Tokito Oda also delivered strong results. The Japanese delegation head described the overall performance as a source of pride that bodes well for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.
The event marked Japan’s first time hosting the Asian Para Games and drew crowds to venues five years after the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics were staged without spectators because of the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 81 Asian records were broken alongside the world marks while first-ever Asian Para Games medals went to athletes from Tajikistan and Cambodia. The games next move to Doha in 2030 after this edition wrapped up on schedule following its October 18 opening.