PyeongChang Paralympics Open Japan Wins Medals Early On

The PyeongChang Paralympics opened on March 9.
(Photo: Fort Kishimoto)
A record 49 countries and regions sent approximately 570 athletes to compete. Over 10 days until the 18th, 80 events across six sports—Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Biathlon, Snowboarding, Ice Hockey, and Curling—will be held.
Russian athletes, barred from participating as a nation due to doping issues, will compete as "Neutral Paralympic Athletes" (NPA) under individual status. North Korea will make its debut at a Winter Games.

Japan is sending a delegation of 86 people, including 38 athletes, coaches, and officials, to compete in five sports (excluding curling). Team Captain is Kuniko Dai-Nichi Co., Ltd., Japan's first Winter Paralympic gold medalist; Team Captain is Satoru Sudo (Ice Hockey); and Flag Bearer is Momoka Muraoka (Alpine Skiing).
Japan National Team Send-off Ceremony:
https://dentsu-ho.com/articles/5861

 

 

Japan has set a goal to surpass the six medals won at the previous Sochi Paralympics.
Having secured its highest-ever medal count at a Winter Games during the recently concluded PyeongChang Olympics, which also boosted momentum for the 2020 Tokyo Games, Japan's Paralympic athletes are expected to deliver strong performances. Japan has made a strong start to the Games, with Muraoka winning silver and bronze in women's alpine skiing downhill and super-G, and Daiki Morii taking silver in men's downhill.

■ Opening Ceremony

The Opening Ceremony took place at PyeongChang Olympic Stadium on the 9th at 8:00 PM. Its theme was "Passion Moves Us." The ceremony featured performances by children, traditional dances, and Korean entertainment, all showcased against a backdrop of cutting-edge visual technology.
During the athletes' parade, the Japanese delegation entered 33rd, marching led by flag bearer Muraoka. They responded to the cheers from the venue with smiles.
The Olympic flame was lit at the cauldron by South Korean athletes Seo Seung-suk (wheelchair curling) and Kim Eun-jeong, known as "Glasses-senpai" for her popularity during the Olympic women's curling event.
Toshiro Muto, Secretary General of the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee, who attended the ceremony, commented: "I expect fierce competition to unfold, featuring athletes who have persevered through grueling training and various challenges. This will carve a new chapter in Paralympic history. We will learn from this Games and apply those lessons to our future preparations, aiming to provide the best possible stage for athletes to shine and transform public awareness at the Tokyo Games."
Official Games Website:
https://www.pyeongchang2018.com/jp/paralympics/about-the-games