HANGZHOU, Oct 22 (Bernama) – The fourth edition of the Asian Para Games (APG) officially began with a spectacular opening ceremony by hosts China here, tonight.
With the slogan 'Hearts Meet, Dreams Shine' at the Hangzhou Olympic Games Central Stadium, the unique cultural performances and futuristic screen elements enlivened the atmosphere at the stadium with a capacity of over 70,000 spectators.
The Malaysian contingent comprising a total of 26 athletes and 22 officials was led by Chef-de-Mission K M Rajendran, while badminton athlete Muhammad Ikhwan Ramli and long jumper Nani Shahiera Zawawi shared the task of carrying the Jalur Gemilang.
China's Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang officiated the grand opening ceremony to mark the start of the Games with the participation of more than 3,500 athletes from 43 countries.
Athlete representatives and competition officials also took their Games’ oath in front of APC president Majid Rashed and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) president Andrew Parsons, while the lighting of the Games cauldron capped the glittering event.
Malaysia is pinning its hopes on 113 athletes who will take part in 104 out of 564 contested events in 14 types of sports, including archery, athletics, badminton, cycling, powerlifting and swimming.
The Paralympic Council of Malaysia (MPM) previously announced an overall target of 35 medals for the contingent.
-- BERNAMA
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