ASIAN PARA GAMES 2026 OPENS IN NAGOYA: INDONESIA’S 103 ATHLETES WALK IN WEARING IVAN GUNAWAN
Asian Para Games 2026 opened in Nagoya on Oct 18. See Indonesia’s 103 athletes, its 7-gold target, and why it lost its best sport.
A small paper flag fluttered in the stadium lights as an athlete in a wheelchair rolled onto the track, holding Indonesia’s red-and-white flag high. Behind them, teammates in navy batik-print jackets waved and filmed on their phones. The Asian Para Games 2026 had begun.
What is the Asian Para Games 2026? The Asian Para Games 2026 is a seven-day event with 18 sports and about 3,000 athletes from 45 National Paralympic Committees, held from October 18 to 24 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The opening ceremony took place on Sunday, October 18, at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya. Tickets range from 500 to 1,500 yen.
At a glance
- 45 national teams
- 18 sports
- About 3,000 athletes
- 103 Indonesian athletes in 12 sports
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What happened at the opening ceremony?
According to the National Paralympic Committee Indonesia (NPC Indonesia), Japan’s Emperor Naruhito officially opened the Games. The theme was “We Are Beautiful Individuals.”
The show did not rely on big speeches. In one scene, dancers in orange feathered costumes moved around a performer in a wheelchair, in front of a huge sculpture of twisted rope. Later, a group of athletes in white stood still on the track while others carried the Japanese flag across the stadium.
Indonesia’s outfits were designed by fashion designer Ivan Gunawan. The batik-inspired look stood out in the crowd.
How is Indonesia doing at the Asian Para Games 2026?
Indonesia has not started its medal run from zero. Two sports, para badminton and para table tennis, started before the opening ceremony. The country’s goal is clear. Indonesia wants seven gold, eight silver and 17 bronze medals, and a place in the top 10.
Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir shared photos of the team on Instagram and called the athletes “heroes of Indonesian sport.” The post got more than 8,000 likes.
“Our minimum target is to repeat the achievement of Hangzhou 2022.” Ukun Rukaendi, Secretary General, NPC Indonesia, July 24, 2026
Why did Indonesia lose its best sport?
Here is the fact that surprises most people. At the last Games in Hangzhou, Indonesia finished sixth with 29 gold medals, and 10 of those golds came from para chess alone. Para chess is not on the programme in Nagoya.
That is more than a third of Indonesia’s gold medals from one sport, gone before the Games even began. It explains why the new target of seven golds looks much smaller than the old total. The team now needs new medal sources.
Where could the new medals come from?
Para badminton won four golds at both the China Para Badminton International and the Japan Para Badminton International this year. Para cycling won three golds at the Malaysia Para Road Race. Para archery and para powerlifting are also on the list of sports to watch.
Badminton pair Leani Ratri Oktila and Hikmat Ramdani are the team’s big hope in mixed doubles, according to coach Jarot Hernowo.
What to watch next
The Games run until October 24, so there is plenty of time left. Check the official Aichi-Nagoya 2026 schedule for daily events, and follow NPC Indonesia on Instagram for medal updates.
