NAGOYA, Japan, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- The first group of China's delegation for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games arrived in Japan on Monday, with the country set to field its largest-ever athlete contingent at an overseas edition of the Games.
China is sending 312 athletes, 146 men and 166 women, as part of a 500-member delegation for its fifth appearance at the Asian Para Games. The athletes are all amateurs from diverse backgrounds, including factory workers, students, office employees and freelancers.
More than 200 delegation members arrived on Monday, representing sports including para athletics, blind football, wheelchair basketball and para judo. The full delegation is scheduled to arrive in four groups, with all members expected to be in place before the Games open on October 18.
China's blind football team brings together experienced players and younger prospects as it looks to make the most of the competition. According to head coach Wang Guishun, some players have competed at three Paralympic Games, while the oldest member of the squad was born in 1993. The youngest, born in 2009, represents the team's next generation.
Wang added that the team had already qualified for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games and hoped to use the Asian Para Games to gain valuable experience while aiming for strong results.
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games will run from October 18 to 24, featuring more than 500 events across 18 sports. More than 3,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions are expected to take part. The Chinese delegation will compete in 335 events across 17 sports. ■
