Just like the Tokyo Olympics, the 2020 Paralympics too opened with fireworks and protests yesterday.
Organisers had said last week that the Paralympics will be held under ‘very difficult’ circumstances as Japan’s health system felt the strain of the pandemic.
Japan’s Emperor Naruhito declared the event open before a largely empty stadium. It was a big moment for over 4,400 athletes from 162 teams after the disappointment of the postponement and concerns about a possible cancellation.
China are expected to continue their Paralympic Gold Medal dominance. Hosts Japan will be hoping their record 254-strong team can repeat the country’s Olympic Gold rush. This year’s Paralympics will feature 22 sports, with badminton and taekwondo appearing for the first time.
The Paralympics will run until September 5 and organisers have said they plan to implement the same protocols as the ones used during the Olympics. (Agencies)
by Daily News Sri Lanka
, Sports, glittering,paralympics,start,tokyo,