Rio Paralympics Close Japan Surpasses Previous Games in Total Medals Momentum for 2020

The Rio Paralympics concluded on September 18 after 12 days of intense competition.

Japan won 10 silver medals and 14 bronze medals. While they secured no gold medals, their total medal count surpassed that of the 2012 London Games, providing momentum for the 2020 Tokyo Games.

(Photo: Fort Kishimoto)

The closing ceremony took place at Rio's Maracanã Stadium. As athletes from each country began their entrance, the venue erupted in loud applause and cheers. Japan entered smiling, led by flag bearer Yui Uchida, who won bronze in women's wheelchair tennis singles, just as they had at the opening ceremony.

Performances by many renowned artists united spectators and athletes alike, creating a vibrant, uniquely Brazilian celebration.

Carlos Nuzman, President of the Rio Organizing Committee, proudly declared the Games' success: "Rio has delivered the Olympic and Paralympic Games. We showed the world that we can do it." He concluded with a message: "Good luck to Tokyo 2020!"

International Paralympic Committee President Philip Craven praised the event, stating, "With the support of the people of Rio, Paralympians demonstrated tremendous strength and proved that human potential knows no limits." He called out, "Let's gather next in Tokyo!"

Toward the end of the ceremony, the Flag Handover Ceremony took place, passing the Paralympic flag to the next host city. Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike received the flag. This was followed by a program introducing Tokyo through video and performance.

Under the theme "POSITIVE SWITCH" (The Paralympics have the power to significantly change the mindset of everyone, regardless of disability, and to shift their feelings positively through the athletes' performances that exceed imagination and their way of life as they continue to challenge themselves), models and dancers with prosthetic limbs appeared and delivered a wonderful performance.

At a press conference held locally the previous day, Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee Secretary General Toshiro Muto stated, "We pay tribute to all those who contributed to the Rio Games, especially the Paralympians. Under the concept of 'Diversity and Harmony,' we will work closely with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the JPC (Japan Paralympic Committee) to advance preparations for the Tokyo Games." Governor Koike stated, "We want to use the Tokyo Games as an opportunity to transform Tokyo into a safer 'Safe City,' a 'Diversity City' where women, men, and people with disabilities can live richly, and a 'Smart City' open to the world. We will work over the next four years to build momentum for the Paralympics and encourage many spectators to visit the venues." JPC President Mitsunori Torihara stated, "It is the JPC's mission to carry forward the achievements of Rio to Tokyo and contribute to the further development of the Paralympic Movement. Keeping 'Athletes First' in mind, we will prepare an environment where athletes can give their best."