Tokyo Paralympics opened at the Olympic Stadium in the Japanese capital on Augusts 24. Japan's Emperor Naruhito declared the Games open. He was surrounded by vacant seats at the 68,000-capacity Olympic Stadium. Andrew Parsons, International Paralympic Committee president hailed the athletes as "beacons of hope" who had put "blood, sweat and tears" into preparing for the games. The ceremony took place in front of around 800 VIPs and officials. 162 teams enjoyed their long-awaited moment in the global spotlight. The Tokyo Paralympics ceremony took "We Have Wings" as its concept, creating a mini "airport" on the stadium field. Three Japanese para-athletes, wheelchair tennis player Yui Kamiji, boccia player Shunsuke Uchida, and powerlifter Karin Morisaki, then combined to light the flame. PM Modi also shared a video of him cheering them on while watching the opening ceremony. High-jumper Mariyappan Thangavelu was replaced by shot-putter Tek Chand as India's flag-bearer for the opening ceremony. Watch the video to know more.
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