Japan claim first gold in 2010 Asian Para Games

The first medal of the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Para Games has been won by Japan’s Takuro Yamada in the men’s 400m freestyle S9 class.

The Japanese swimmer won in a time of 4:38.71 to beat Wang Jiachao of China into silver and Korea’s Kwong Hyun into bronze in 4:41.49 and 4:43.29 respectively.

Takuro’s gold medal was presented to him by Mr. Hui Liangyu, Vice Premier of the People’s Republic of China and flowers were presented by Asian Paralympic Committee President Dato’ Zainal Abu Zarin.

China claimed their first swimming gold medal of the Games through Cai Yuqingyan. Her time of 4:56.91 in the Women’s 400m Freestyle S9 was good enough to push Yukako Hata of Japan into silver and Thailand’s Surerut Komkeaw into bronze.

The 2010 Asian Para Games will run through until Sunday 19 December and will see around 2,500 athletes from 41 countries compete in 19 sports. These are: Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Boccia, Cycling, Football 5-a-side, Football 7-a-side, Goalball, Judo, Powerlifting, Rowing, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Ten Pin Bowling, Volleyball (sitting), Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Fencing, Wheelchair Tennis.

For further information on the 2010 Asian Para Games, please visit: www.asianparalympic.org/apc-games/