It’s all systems go for the 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo, with the opening ceremony being held on Saturday. Team SA are being represented by 14 athletes across four different sports, with the Games action getting under way on Sunday.
The opening ceremony played out at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. This is the first time Japan has hosted the Deaflympics in the history of their summer and winter editions. The first event was held in Paris, in 1924.
Contestants marched inside the arena to a greeting by performers of the traditional Japanese Awa Odori dance. A record 3,081 athletes from around the world have registered to compete.
The ceremony was attended by Japanese Crown Prince Akishino’s family and Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, among others.
The Deaflympics will run until 26 November, with contests in 21 sports scheduled at venues in Tokyo and elsewhere.
Athletes will contest more than 200 medal events across 21 disciplines, including athletics, badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, bowling, cycling road, mountain bike, football, futsal, golf, handball, judo, karate, orienteering, shooting, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, volleyball, wrestling (freestyle) and wrestling (Greco-Roman).
