Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Tokyo Deaflympics Open With Record Field in Japan’s First Hosting

Organizers aim to use the Games to elevate sign language awareness.

Overview

  • A record 3,081 athletes from 81 countries and regions, plus a refugee squad and a neutral team, are entered for Tokyo 2025.
  • The schedule covers 21 sports and 209 events through Nov. 26, with some competitions starting before the opening ceremony.
  • Crown Prince Fumihito’s family attended alongside Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.
  • Eligibility requires hearing loss of roughly 55 decibels or greater, and hearing aids are not permitted during competition.
  • Japan fields about 270 athletes in its largest-ever delegation, aiming to surpass its 2022 medal total.