Japan sends off Sri Lanka’s Asian Para Games squad

Tuesday, 6 October 2026 05:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata

The Embassy of Japan yesterday hosted a send-off ceremony for Sri Lankan athletes bound for the 5th Asian Para Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, with Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata urging the team to emulate the country’s recent success at the Asian Games.

The Games will be held from 18 to 24 October, 2026 under the theme “Imagine One Heart”, with around 4,000 athletes and team officials from across Asia competing in 18 sports. Nagoya will be the main venue, with events also staged in other cities of Aichi Prefecture, a region known for its history, culture and industrial innovation.

Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry Secretary A.H.M.U. Aruna Bandara and Sri Lanka National Paralympic Committee President Brig. (Retd.) D.K. Aludeniya, who is also the team’s Chef de Mission, attended the ceremony.

“I hope you will follow Rumesh Tharanga, who secured the javelin gold medal last month at the 20th Asian Games, and earn as many medals as possible,” Isomata said.

“However, there are important things beyond medals and podiums: fair play and the pursuit of excellence to the best of your ability. I am confident you will make Sri Lanka immensely proud and inspire the next generation of Sri Lankan youth. The people of Japan and Aichi-Nagoya are eager to cheer you on.”