How many sports are there at the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics? Which sports are there?

The Tokyo Paralympics, starting on the 24th of August, are full of strong competition from around the world. Much like the Tokyo Olympics, spectators will not be present in the stands, but the games will surely be filled with athleticism and sportsmanship.

The 2021 Paralympics are full of firsts. This will be the first Paralympics where the medals are designed for the visually impaired. This is the first time badminton and taekwondo will be introduced to the games. Surely, some athletes will be bringing home their first medals.

How many sports are there in the Tokyo Paralympics?

22 sports and 539 events will be featured in the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics. The Games will be held at 21 different events throughout Japan.

Which sports are in the Paralympics?

This is the second time the Paralympics have been hosted in Japan. In 1964 the Paralympics were hosted in Tokyo. That was also the first year the Paralympics were held in Asia and the first time they were televised in color.

The International Stoke Mandeville Games began in 1960 in Rome, Italy. These games featured 400 athletes. Much like the Olympic games, the Paralympics happen every four years. The Paralympics movement originated after World War II, and was intended for veterans who had spinal cord-related injuries in England in 1948. The goal was to create an elite competition for great athletes with disabilities.

The United Nations states that, “the goal of the Paralympics is to place sport at the service of humanity, by harnessing its great potential to contribute to the global struggle for peace, prosperity and the preservation of human dignity.