We have wings: 2020 Tokyo Paralympics start with glittering and fitting opening ceremony | In Pics
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Image Source : APIn manner most fitting, the Tokyo Paralympics began on Tuesday with the central theme of 'We Have Wings' in a colourful opening ceremony, depicting the para athletes' endeavour to fly high in the face of unimaginable adversities.
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Image Source : @Tokyo2020
At times tugging at the heartstrings, the otherwise joyous and colourful opening ceremony -- the main character of which was a 'little one-winged plane' -- encapsulated the idea that every human being has its own wings, and by mustering courage and spreading them wide, it can go anywhere irrespective of which way the wind blows.
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Image Source : AP
Emperor Naruhito declared the Games open in front of a near-empty stadium before the Paralympic flag was carried into the National Stadium. International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons said the organisers of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics can deliver a "safe" Games.
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Image Source : AP
The ceremony was set in a 'Para Airport' -- a symbol of diversity and inclusion -- and began with a video that depicted the strength of para athletes. In the video, a gentle breeze turned into a huge gust of wind that reached the stadium and swept through the field of play.
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Image Source : AP
Giant propellers and balloons surrounded the outer stage, forming the Agitos symbol of the Paralympics.
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Image Source : @Tokyo2020
During the Parade of Nations, catching everyone's attention, a guide dog helped lead the Israeli team out.
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Image Source : AP
Tek Chand, who will compete in shot put, led the Indian contingent out during the opening ceremony after replacing high-jumper Mariyappan Thangavelu as the flag bearer at the last minute after the latter came in close contact of a COVID positive person during his flight to Tokyo.
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Image Source : AP
During the Parade of the Nations in which the Refuge Paralympics team entered first, Afghanistan's flag with the absent team got a massive round of applause from the media and workers in the largely empty stadium, showing solidarity with a nation in turmoil.