2018 Asian Para Games Opening Ceremony to Display Humanitarian Messages

Chairman of INAPGOC Raja Sapta Oktohari (far left) accompanies President Jokowi when inspecting volley athletes at GBK Stadium, Jakarta, Thursday (27/9). (Photo: OJI/PR)

Chairman of the Indonesian Asian Para Games Committee (INAPGOC) Raja Sapta Oktohari said the 2018 Asian Para Games Opening Ceremony would present a different concept compared to that of the Asian Games.

According to him, the performances at the opening ceremony will deliver messages with humanitarian values, in contrast with the Asian Games opening ceremony, which was full of musical performances and festivals.

“The Asian Para Games will be held for six days. Within that short period of time, Indonesia must leave a legacy, which is humanity. We must exhibit stronger humanity,” Raja told reporters after attending the Asian Para Games briefing with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, in Jakarta, Thursday (27/9).

As Chairman of INAPGOC, Raja also claimed he was not burdened with the success of the Asian Games; instead, he added, the success of the Asian Games is expected to bring the spirit of the Asian Games into the Asian Para Games.

For the record, the number of participating countries and athletes is higher than that in the Incheon Para Games in 2014 and Guangzhou Para Games in 2010. Therefore, the event is expected to be more lively and magnificent and can set a new benchmark for the next Asian Para Games, Raja said.

Raja added that the mascot of this year Asian Para Games is eagle, which represents motivation and mobility.

“This mascot portrays the tremendous enthusiasm and energy of disabled athletes who take part in the Games. They are super humans who fight hard for their countries,” he said.

Raja went on say that he would immediately coordinate with related stakeholders to replace the Asian Games banners and posters with Asian Para Games banners and posters before the opening ceremony.

For the record, President Jokowi has set target of winning 16 gold medals and taking the 8^th position in the medal tally. Minister of Youth and Sports Imam Nahrawi said that all efforts and preparations had been made to meet the target. “The Asian Para Games Chef de Mission Arminsyah truly focuses on the details of the preparation and the President has been monitoring the works,” Imam said.

“I am sure the target set by the President will be achieved or even exceeded,” the Minister added. (RAH / FID / OJI / JAY / ES) (STU/EP/Naster)