Monday, July 7, 2025
14.8 C
London

Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games begins in Japan

The 16th edition of the Tokyo Paralympics is being held from August 24 to September 5 in the busy capital of Japan, Tokyo. 

By this, Tokyo became the first city to conduct Paralympics twice. Around 4400 competitors from nearly 160 countries are participating in the Paralympics.

 Paralympic games are governed by the International Paralympic Committee and are currently headed by Andrew Parsons. Thumbs Up on Monday announced that it had become the official partner of the Tokyo Paralympics. 

Indian presence in Tokyo Paralympic

The BBC reports that India is sending its biggest ever contingent of 54 athletes to the Paralympics this time. These athletes participate in 9 different sports disciplines: badminton, weightlifting, swimming, archery, athletics, canoeing, shooting, table tennis, and taekwondo. All these athletes are part of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. 

This time expectations are high on the Indian Paralympians considering their recent achievements in the international arena. The great Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar described them as ‘Real Life Heroes’ and praised the Paralympians for becoming role models by performing for India. 

Amidst the current situation, only 11 members from India took part in the opening ceremony that included six officials and five athletes. Flag-bearer T. Mariyappan, discus thrower Vinod Kumar, javelin thrower Tek Chand and powerlifters Jaideep and Sakina Khatun are the five athletes who participated in the opening ceremony of the Paralympics. 

India is expected to exhibit the best-ever performance, and the country is expecting the best medal haul this time.

Paralympics amidst covid crisis 

Tokyo Paralympics will be organized by following proper covid protocols that were implemented in the Olympics that had ended earlier this month. 

However, the organizers said that the event would be held under difficult health circumstances taking into account the current scenario in the country. The increase in daily covid cases and lack of support from some hospitals in Tokyo to take emergency cases from the games poses a big challenge for the organizers. 

Paralympians from countries like New Zealand have chosen to skip the opening ceremony keeping in mind the risk of increasing Covid 19 cases. However, implementing certain restrictions and limiting the movement of athletes seem to work to a great extent.

World News

Senate’s “Most Dangerous” Tax Bill Sparks Outrage as Democrats Unite Against Billionaire Bailout

The Senate's tax bill is the most dangerous legislation...

Paramount’s $16 Million Settlement with Trump Over ‘60 Minutes’ Lawsuit

On July 2, 2025, Paramount Global reached a settlement...

Afghan National Pleads Guilty to ISIS-Inspired Election Day Terror Plot in Oklahoma

Afghan National and Accomplice Planned Mass-Casualty Attack on Election...

US Job Growth Revised Down by 818,000 in March 2023-March 2024

US Job Growth Was Less Than Expected – 818,000...

Paramount’s $16 Million Settlement with Trump Over ‘60 Minutes’ Lawsuit

On July 2, 2025, Paramount Global reached a settlement...

Political Constraints and Losses in Operation Sindoor – Why the Silence?

The recent controversy surrounding Indian Defense Attaché Captain Shiv...

India’s Operation Sindhu: Rescuing Thousands from Iran-Israel Conflict

On June 27, 2025, India officially announced the ongoing...

India Rejects Pakistan’s Court of Arbitration, Upholds Indus Waters Treaty

A Treaty That Stands Strong The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT),...

The Golf GTI EDITION 50: Fastest Volkswagen Ever on the Nürburgring

Wolfsburg, Germany – The Nürburgring Nordschleife, known as the “Green...

Related Articles