‘We have wings’: Glittering start to Tokyo Paralympics
Tokyo, Aug. 24: In manner most fitting, the Tokyo Paralympics began here on Tuesday with the central theme of ‘We Have Wings' in a colourful opening ceremony, depicting the para athletes’ endeavour to fly high in the face of unimaginable adversities. At times tugging at the heartstrings, the otherwise joyous and colourful opening ceremony — the main character of which was a ‘little one-winged plane' — encapsulated the idea that every human being has its own wings, and by mustering courage and spreading them wide, it can go anywhere irrespective of which way the wind blows.
Emperor Naruhito declared the Games open in front of a near-empty stadium before the Paralympic flag was carried into the National Stadium. Tek Chand, who will compete in shot put, led the Indian contingent out during the opening ceremony after replacing high-jumper Mariyappan Thangavelu as the flag bearer at the last minute after the latter came in close contact with a Covidpositive person during his flight to Tokyo.
Apart from Tek Chand, others in the opening included chef de mission Gursharan Singh, deputy chef de mission Arhan Bagati, the contingent's other administrative staff and one coach, Satyanarayana.
Tokyo, Aug. 24: Japan’s emperor declared the Tokyo Paralympics open in a nearly empty stadium on Tuesday, with athletes ready to defy stereotypes and shatter records despite a year-long pandemic delay.
Emperor Naruhito made the announcement surrounded by banks of vacant multicoloured seats at Tokyo’s 68,000-capacity Olympic Stadium, with virus rules banning spectators from almost all Games events.
“I declare open the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games,” he said, wearing a white surgical mask.
The pared-down ceremony took place in front of around 800 VIPs and officials, but there was a celebratory mood as 162 teams enjoyed their long-awaited moment in the global spotlight.
The ceremony took “We Have Wings” as its concept, creating a mini “airport” on the stadium field and telling the story of a onewinged plane that takes to the skies.
A reduced parade of roughly 3,400 Paralympians and team officials entered the stadium, wearing masks but waving and dancing.
A volunteer carried Afghanistan’s flag into the stadium as a “sign of solidarity” with athletes from the country, which is one of 21 nations unable to compete at the Games.
International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons said the event could be a “platform for change”.
“Many doubted this day would happen, many thought it impossible, but thanks to the efforts of many, the most transformative sports event on Earth is about to begin,” he said, as a steady drizzle fell in the stadium.