Asian Para Games and the Legacy of the Japanese Doctor Who Pioneered Disability Sport

The Asian Para Games have opened in Japan's Aichi Prefecture, with 45 countries and territories taking part — a record number for the event.

According to Kyodo News, the continent-wide sporting event for athletes with disabilities traces its origins to the Far East and South Pacific Games for the Disabled, founded by the late Japanese doctor Yutaka Nakamura.

Dr. Nakamura's initiative is regarded as the foundation that marked a turning point for the disability sports movement in Asia, helping to broaden competitive opportunities and raise public awareness of what people with disabilities can achieve in sport.

This year's Games are being held in Aichi-Nagoya and bring together delegations from across the continent, carrying forward the legacy Dr. Nakamura left in the development of regional disability sport.