Mohamed Al Hammadi, the multiple medal-winning Paralympian, was the UAE flag-bearer at the Tokyo Paralympics opening ceremony on Tuesday evening as the largest Games in history officially got under way.
Al Hammadi has won three Paralympic medals, including gold in the 800m wheelchair T34 at Rio 2016 having claimed silver and bronze at London 2012 in the 200m and 100m respectively. He is again expected to be a major contender in Tokyo.
The Emirati led a 12-member squad of UAE athletes plus staff at the opening ceremony inside Tokyo's Olympic Stadium, among them powerlifting great Mohammed Khalaf Khamis, who has won two Paralympic golds and one silver. There were no spectators inside the stadium, aside from a few officials, dignitaries, and sponsors.
A total of 4,403 athletes will compete in Tokyo, making it the largest Paralympic Games in history. Like the Olympics which preceded it, the Paralympics were delayed by 12 months because of the pandemic.
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People take pictures of fireworks during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games opening ceremony at the Olympic Stadium on Tuesday August 24, 2021. Reuters -
Fireworks illuminate over National Stadium during the opening ceremony of the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo. AP -
International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons, centre, Japanese Emperor Naruhito, right, arrive for the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Getty -
Performers during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Getty -
Fireworks over the National Stadium in Tokyo during the opening ceremony for the 2020 Paralympics. AP -
The Japanese national flag is carried into the stadium during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Getty -
Fireworks light up the sky above the Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. AFP -
The Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games. Reuters -
Performers during the opening ceremony for the 2020 Paralympics. AP -
Healthcare workers present the Japanese flag. Reuters -
The Japanese national flag is carried ahead of the opening ceremony. Reuters -
Fireworks over the Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Getty -
Fireworks during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. AFP -
Performers dance during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Getty -
Chef de Mission of Refugee Paralympic Team Ileana Rodriguez takes a selfie during their arrival at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Getty -
Members of Refugee Paralympic Team before the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Getty -
The Japan Air Self-Defence Force's Blue Impulse aerobatic flight team makes a commemorative flight over Tokyo ahead of the Tokyo Paralympics opening ceremony. EPA -
Protesters demonstrate next to police in Tokyo before the Paralympics opening ceremony. Reuters -
Protesters jostle with police ahead of the Tokyo Paralympics opening ceremony. Reuters -
Protesters during the Tokyo Paralympics opening ceremony. Reuters -
Protestors at the Tokyo Paralympics. Reuters -
Flags of the participating nations are displayed in the parade of athletes during the opening ceremony. Getty -
The Paralympic torch during the opening ceremony. EPA -
Torchbearers Yui Kamiji, Shunsuke Uchida and Karin Morisaki. EPA -
Opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Reuters -
Performers take part in the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. AFP -
Performers take part in the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. AFP -
A performer during the opening ceremony in Tokyo. AFP -
Opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Getty -
Performers during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. AFP -
Yui Kamiji of Team Japan prepares to light the Paralympic flame. Getty
"I cannot believe we are finally here. Many doubted this day would happen. Many thought it impossible. But thanks to the efforts of many, the most transformative sport event on Earth is about to begin," ICC president Thomas Bach said.
"Over the next 10 years, WeThe15 will challenge how the world’s 15 per cent with disabilities are perceived and treated at a global level.
"With the support of 20 international organisations, civil society, the business sector, and the media we will put the world’s 1.2 billion persons with disabilities firmly at the heart of the inclusion agenda.
"The Paralympic Games are for sure a platform for change. But only every four years is not enough. It is up to each and every one of us to play out part, every day, to make for a more inclusive society in our countries, in our cities, in our communities."
