The Tokyo Paralympics, involving a record 4,403 athletes from 161 countries and regions as well as a refugee team, get under way at a time when the coronavirus pandemic remains a major concern in the city holding the world's largest sporting event for people with disabilities. Here is a selection of photos of the opening ceremony at the National Stadium and other related events.
Fireworks soar above the National Stadium in Tokyo as the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games is held without spectators from the general public amid the coronavirus pandemic on Aug. 24, 2021. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
A Japanese national flag is carried into the National Stadium during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Paralympics on Aug. 24, 2021. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
Performers take part in the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Paralympics at the National Stadium in Tokyo on Aug. 24, 2021. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
Sitting volleyball player Morteza Mehrzadselakjani (2nd from R) marches with other members of the Iranian delegation during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Paralympics at the National Stadium on Aug. 24, 2021. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
The refugee Paralympic team marches during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Paralympics at the National Stadium in Tokyo on Aug. 24, 2021. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
South Korean athletes march during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Paralympics on Aug. 24, 2021, at the National Stadium in Tokyo. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
Chinese athletes march during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Paralympics on Aug. 24, 2021, at the National Stadium in Tokyo. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
Athletes of the Russian Paralympic Committee march during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Paralympics at the National Stadium in Tokyo on Aug. 24, 2021. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
A volunteer carries the Afghanistan flag during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Paralympics at the National Stadium in Tokyo on Aug. 24, 2021, with Afghan athletes unable to compete after the Taliban seized control of the country. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
U.S. athletes march during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Paralympics on Aug. 24, 2021, at the National Stadium in Tokyo. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
Syrian athletes march during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Paralympics on Aug. 24, 2021, at the National Stadium in Tokyo. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
Japanese athletes march during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Paralympics on Aug. 24, 2021, at the National Stadium in Tokyo. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
Performers take part in the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Paralympics at the National Stadium in Tokyo on Aug. 24, 2021 (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
Japanese Emperor Naruhito (front, 3rd from R) declares the opening of the Tokyo Paralympics at the National Stadium in Tokyo on Aug. 24, 2021. The games will run through Sept. 5 without spectators from the general public amid the coronavirus pandemic. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
The Paralympic flag (L) flies next to the Japanese national flag during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Paralympics on Aug. 24, 2021, at the National Stadium in Tokyo. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
The final runners of the Tokyo Paralympic torch relay, (from L) powerlifer Karin Morisaki, wheelchair tennis player Yui Kamiji and boccia player Shunsuke Uchida, are pictured after lighting the cauldron during the opening ceremony of the games on Aug. 24, 2021, at the National Stadium in Tokyo. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
Related coverage:
Tokyo Paralympic athletes enter stadium as opening ceremony begins
Q&A: A guide to the Tokyo Paralympics
Tokyo Games chief Hashimoto vows to guard Paralympians from pandemic
A flame-lighting ceremony for the Tokyo Paralympics is held at Tokyo's Yoyogi Park on Aug. 24, 2021, ahead of the opening ceremony at the National Stadium later in the day. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team flies over central Tokyo on Aug. 24, 2021, ahead of the Tokyo Paralympics opening ceremony later in the day. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
People watch the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic team fly over JR Tokyo Station on Aug. 24, 2021, ahead of the Tokyo Paralympics opening ceremony later in the day. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
Children try boccia at the Tokyo Paralympic Fan Park on Aug. 24, 2021, wearing masks for protection against the coronavirus. Seen on the right is the games' mascot Someity. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
Performers taking part in the Tokyo Paralympics opening ceremony pose for a photo in front of the games' three agitos monument at the National Stadium in Tokyo on Aug. 24, 2021, ahead of the ceremony later in the day. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
Protesters calling for the cancellation of the Tokyo Paralympics amid the coronavirus pandemic gather near the National Stadium in Tokyo as the opening ceremony of the games is held without spectators from the general public on Aug. 24, 2021. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
Related coverage:
Some Tokyoites not sold on holding Paralympics under COVID emergency
Japan to expand COVID-19 state of emergency to 8 more prefectures
