Tokyo Paralympics: 10 TeamSG athletes march out at opening ceremony

The Singapore contingent led by flag bearer Muhammad Diroy Noordin enter the Olympic Stadium during the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics opening ceremony. (Photo: Sport Singapore)
The Singapore contingent led by flag bearer Muhammad Diroy Noordin enter the Olympic Stadium during the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics opening ceremony. (Photo: Sport Singapore)

SINGAPORE — Singapore's 10-athlete contingent marched out at the Olympic Stadium as the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics was officially declared open on Tuesday evening (24 August).

During the opening ceremony, shot put thrower Muhammad Diroy Noordin was the flag bearer leading out the Singapore contingent. The 29-year-old, who was born with a condition called short stature, is taking part in his second Paralympics.

"It was an honour for me to stand tall at the Olympic Stadium and to hold our country's flag," he said. "While I was a bit nervous, I focused on consistency and ensured our flag flew high. I hope that my involvement as flag bearer has created more awareness of the Paralympic movement and brought pride to Singapore."

Equestrienne Laurentia Tan, who won a silver and three bronzes at the 2008 and 2012 Paralympics, was also chosen to represent Asia as one of the flag bearers of the Paralympic flag.

"I am proud for my country Singapore, to be chosen to represent Asia to increase disability awareness and spread social inclusivity through the International Paralympic Committee to the world at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and beyond,” said Tan, who is making her fourth Paralympic appearance at the Games.

Among 4,400 athletes competing in 539 events

The 10 Singaporeans will be among more than 4,400 para-athletes competing in 539 events across 22 sports from Wednesday to 5 September.

They will be participating in six sports – swimming, equestrian, athletics, archery, cycling and powerlifting – with four athletes making their Paralympic debuts: cyclist Steve Tee (with pilot Ang Kee Meng), powerlifter Nur'Aini Mohamad Yasli, and swimmers Sophie Soon and Toh Wei Soong.

Three-time gold medallist Yip Pin Xiu – together with Soon and Tee – will get into the thick of action on the opening day of competitions on Wednesday. Yip will be defending her women's 100m backstroke gold.

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