Paralympic Games to begin with glittering opening ceremony in Tokyo today

After successfully hosting the Summer Olympic Games, the Japanese capital is set to host the Summer Paralympic Games. The global sporting spectacle will begin with a glittering opening ceremony at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo today. The main concept for the opening ceremony is "We Have Wings".

After successfully hosting the Summer Olympic Games, the Japanese capital is set to host the Summer Paralympic Games. The global sporting spectacle will begin with a glittering opening ceremony at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo today. The main concept for the opening ceremony is "We Have Wings".

In view of surging COVID-19 cases in several parts of Japan, fans have been banned from the Paralympics, like the preceding Olympic Games. Due to these restrictions, only six officials are allowed to take part in the opening ceremony along with five athletes. The 11-member Indian group will participate in the opening ceremony. High jumper and Rio Olympics gold medallist, Mariyappan Thangavelu, will be India's flagbearer at the event.

The Paralympic Games will be declared open by Japan's emperor Naruhito at the Olympic ceremony. After witnessing the most successful Olympics ever with seven medals, India is fielding their biggest contingent at the Tokyo Paralympics. 54 athletes are set to compete in nine sporting disciplines including Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Swimming, and Weightlifting among others. Around 4,400 para-athletes will be participating across 540 events in 22 sports in the sporting event.