Asian Para Games opens in Indonesia

Jakarta (VNA) - The 3rd Asian Para Games opened in Indonesia’s capital city of Jakarta on October 6 with spectacular art performances themed "We Are One".

The opening ceremony started with visual effects of Indonesian traditional batik art, followed by a whipping dancer performing a countdown with batik patterns on the curved screen.

A male dancer in a wheelchair danced with a female partner, meaning the harmonious unity of a society that accepts each other, regardless of their differences, kicked off the marching of athletes, the center piece of the opening ceremony.

During October 6-13 event, about 3,000 athletes from 43 countries and territories across Asia will compete in 18 sports, including track and field, swimming, badminton, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair volleyball and chess.

The Vietnamese delegation comprises 75 members, including 52 athletes and 11 coaches and caretakers.

They will compete in seven out of 18 sports, namely swimming, track and field, weightlifting, chess, badminton, table tennis and judo.
 
Vice President and General Secretary of the Vietnam Paralympic Association Vu The Phiet, head of the delegation, said Vietnamese athletes aim to learn from international friends and promote the country’s image at the continental sporting event.

The delegation is determined to earn outstanding achievements, particularly in athletics, swimming, and weightlifting, in which Vietnam has gained high results in major international competitions, he noted.

The Asian Para Games, which follows the Asian Games (ASIAD) every four years, aims to foster friendship, solidarity, and mutual understanding among regional countries.

At the previous Asian Para Games in 2014, Vietnam won nine gold, seven silver, and 13 bronze medals, finishing 10th in the overall medal tally.–VNA