Celebrating Equality at Paloma Mizuho

At Paloma Mizuho Stadium, the opening of the Asian Para Games was more than the start of Asia’s largest sporting event for athletes with disabilities; it was a tangible celebration of equality among people.

Nagoya, Japan (ANTARA) – A middle-aged woman walked at an easy pace along the route to the entrance to attend the opening ceremony of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya, Japan.

Ahead of her, a child sat calmly in a wheelchair, keeping pace with their mother, who occasionally looked ahead.

There was no need to hurry, nor were there long pauses to catch their breath. The gently sloping path brought them closer to the stadium’s main entrance without the steps that can pose a barrier to wheelchair users.

This simple scene held a meaning deeper than merely making the journey to a sporting venue.

It showed how accessible facilities allow a mother to accompany her child, and how a space can give someone the opportunity to move about more freely, on an equal footing with others.

Elsewhere, even such a short journey might require extra effort. A single small step can become a major obstacle.

A doorway that is too narrow, a path that ends abruptly or a lift that is difficult to reach can make the journey to a stadium feel long, even before a competition begins.

At Paloma Mizuho, however, accessibility is an integral part of the visitor experience. The stadium is within walking distance of Mizuho Undojo Higashi Station.

There is a reason Paloma Mizuho Stadium was chosen to host the opening ceremony of Asia’s largest multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities.

The stadium, which reopened in 2026, was designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities.