Asian Para Games under way in Nagoya

The Asian Para Games officially kicked off on Sunday, with around 2,700 athletes from a record 45 countries and regions participating. The opening ceremony was held at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya, Japan. Athletes marched into the venue after a series of music and dance performances. Para-taekwondo athlete Yeung Siu-ki and para-runner Katie Wong served as Hong Kong, China’s flag-bearers in the ceremony. The SAR has sent 80 athletes to compete across 10 sports. For the national team, para taekwondo athlete Li Yujie and para powerlifter Yan Panpan were the flag-bearers. More than 300 athletes are representing China at the Games, competing across 17 sports. Hong Kong, China has already locked in its first medal ahead of the first full day of competitions on Monday. With no third-place play-off, Wong Yue-ching is guaranteed at least a bronze medal after advancing to the semi-finals of the women's singles Class 7 table tennis event. Her semi-final match is scheduled on Tuesday. The SAR finished 10th in the overall medals table at the previous Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, collecting a total of 47 medals – eight gold, 15 silver and 24 bronze. This year's Asian Para Games run until October 24. Edited by Edmond Fong