'We Have Wings'... The Energetic Opening of the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics

'No Audience' Opening Ceremony Amid COVID-19, Calm Atmosphere
Korean Team Enters 82nd
Team Withdrawal Due to Taliban Control... Solidarity Message Through Flag Parade

On the afternoon of the 24th, the Paralympic emblem 'Azitos' was depicted at the opening ceremony of the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics held at the National Stadium (Olympic Stadium) in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan. The theme of the opening ceremony is "We have wings." Photo by Yonhap News.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] The 2020 Tokyo Paralympics (Disability Olympics) began its 13-day journey with an opening ceremony at 8 p.m. on the 24th at the Olympic Stadium in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan.

Postponed by one year along with the Olympics due to the impact of COVID-19, the Paralympics will continue beautiful competitions until the 5th of next month, starting with the opening ceremony.

With the recent continued spread of COVID-19, the opening ceremony was held without spectators. This tournament features a record number of 4,403 athletes from 161 countries and the Refugee Team competing for 539 medals across 22 sports.

The opening ceremony was held under the theme "We have wings." In addition to the common theme of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics opening and closing ceremonies, "Moving Forward," it conveyed a hopeful message that everyone has "wings" to overcome headwinds and hardships.

Although the athletes could not come to Japan, the Afghan national flag appeared at the opening ceremony.

Originally, Afghanistan was scheduled to participate in the Paralympics with two athletes: taekwondo athlete Zakia Khudadadi and track athlete Hossain Rasouli. However, recent control of Afghanistan by the Islamic militant group Taliban made participation difficult.

Therefore, during the athletes' parade at the opening ceremony, a volunteer from the organizing committee carried the Afghan flag and marched together. Although there are 162 participating teams in total, 163 teams including Afghanistan were introduced, showing solidarity among people worldwide.

Korea dispatched a delegation of 159 members (86 athletes and 73 officials) across 14 sports for this tournament. On the day of the opening ceremony, 40 people including team leader Joo Wonhong and some athletes attended.

Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), expressed solidarity, saying, "We want to be with them (the Afghan team). Unfortunately, that is impossible, but our hearts will be with them."

After the opening ceremony ends, the Paralympic competitions will officially begin on the 25th.