The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic series of events finally came to an end. This is also a sign for Tokyo because their duties as host of the Olympic and Paralympic Games also ended after being postponed for a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The closing ceremony was held lively, although still without spectators, Sunday (5/9) night. President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Andrew Parsons officially closed the event at the National Stadium of Japan.

"I didn't expect the journey, the match was almost over. I don't want to do this but it's time for me to declare the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics closed," Parsons said.

"The Paralympics help make people's dreams come true in Tokyo and give hope to those watching at home. All Paralympic athletes around the world, see you in Paris in three years," said Parsons.

 

 

 

 

 

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During the 12 days of the Paralympics, athletes have given hope, opened minds, and changed life itself. Parsons also thanked the Japanese people for making the Paralympics possible for the IPC team, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, and the President of the Tokyo Games organizing committee, Seiko Hashimoto.

Parsons presented the Paralympic flag to Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who will host the next Paralympics. Tokyo's paralympic fire cauldron was then closed. The fireworks lit over the stadium for the last time. The words "Arigato" flashed across the screen, followed by the words "See you in Paris 2024".

At this closing, the Tokyo paralympic organizing committee also awarded the title "I'mPossible". This is a movement initiated by IPC in 2017 and awarded to athletes who have contributed to a more inclusive, inspiring world and are agents of change.

This award goes to Lassam Katongo from Zambia and Katrzyna Rogowiec from Poland, runners, and skiers at the previous Paralympics.

Indonesian Team

The Indonesian team was also present at the closing of the Tokyo Paralympics. Two representatives of Indonesian paralympic athletes came to the replica of the Sky Tree Tower, giving out colorful thin round pins followed by all the other athletes. This is a sign of the togetherness and cooperation of the athletes at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo to achieve mutual success.

The Indonesian team managed to pass its target in the Paralympics this time. The Indonesian team brought home two gold medals, three silver medals, and four bronze medals. This puts Indonesia in 43rd position, a rapid increase from the 2016 Paralympics when it was in 76th position.

China defended the overall champion by winning 96 gold medals, 60 silver medals, and 51 bronze medals. England is in second place with 41 gold medals, 38 silver medals, and 45 bronze medals. The third position is the United States, with 37 gold medals, 36 silver medals, and 31 bronze medals.

The success of the Indonesian paralympic team was also welcomed by President Joko Widodo. Widodo congratulated directly via video call to the athletes in Tokyo.

 

 

 

 

 

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"I represent all Indonesian people, all Indonesian people congratulate you on the gold medals for women's doubles badminton and mixed doubles. This is very exciting news, very proud of all of us. After 41 years we can again win a gold medal in the Paralympics and immediately two golds," said Widodo.

Minister of Youth and Sports Zainudin Amali also expressed his hope that the Paralympics would not be underestimated. Contingent preparations for the Paralympic Championships in Paris begin immediately.

"Guidance for paralympic athletes has been included in the Grand Design of National Sports. So it's not only for Olympic coaching but also for paralympic coaching. Congratulations to athletes and coaches. We will fight again for the Paralympics in Paris in 2024. Hopefully more athletes will compete in the Paralympics," said Amali.

The following is a list of Indonesian athletes who won medals at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

Gold medals:

• Leani Ratri Oktila/Khalimatus Sadiyah from para-badminton in women's doubles SL3-SU5.

• Leani Ratri Oktila/Hary Susanto from para-badminton mixed doubles SL3-SU5.

Silver medals:

• Leani Ratri Oktila of para-badminton women's singles SL4.

• Dheva Anrimusthi of the men's singles para-badminton Standing Upper 5.

• Ni Nengah Widiasih from women's 41 kg para-powerlifting class.

Bronze Medals:

• Suryo Nugroho of the men's singles para-badminton Standing Upper 5.

• David Jacobs of 10th-grade table tennis para.

• Saptoyogo Purnomo from the men's 100 meters T37 para-athletic event

• Fredy Setiawan from para-badminton men's singles number SL4.