Paralympic games to commence today

COLOMBO (News 1st): Tokyo's Paralympic Games commence today (24), despite a year-long pandemic delay and as Japan battles a surge in virus cases. The Games will officially be declared open by Japan's Emperor Naruhito but virus rules mean most of the stadium's 68,000 seats will be empty. Moreover, 4,400 athletes from 162 teams are expected to participate this year. This includes a team of nine persons from Sri Lanka for several events such as wheelchair racing, javelin throwing, archery and athletics.