Asian Para Games 2026: Torch Relay Kicks Off in Nagoya, Japan
NAGOYA — A sports journalist was one of the first runners for the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games’ torch relay that kicked off Thursday in Nagoya.
NAGOYA — The torch relay for the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games began in Nagoya on Thursday. The city will host venues for the Games, which commence on Sunday. The inaugural runner for the torch relay was a sports journalist named Akemi Masuda, who ran through Tsuruma Park in the city. The flame gathering ceremony took place at the park, where flames from 31 municipalities in the prefecture were combined into one for the torch.
Masuda expressed her anticipation for the athletes' performances during the Games, noting that Japanese competitors have won a record number of medals in the past. Throughout the relay, which continues until Saturday, Olympic athletes and disabled individuals will pass the torch. The Asian Para Games are sponsored by The Yomiuri Shimbun and other organizations.
Some competitions, such as a preliminary round of blind football in Nagoya, have already commenced. Japan is hosting the Asian Para Games for the first time, and the event is set to feature approximately 4,000 para-athletes and officials from 45 countries and regions.
Written by urgent.news from The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
