By Nick Butler

APC President Dato Zainal Abu Zarin delivering his opening speech at the CDM Seminar in Incheon ©APCIncheon's preparations for this year's Asian Para Games have been praised by the continent's leading Paralympic official. 


Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) President Dato Zainal Abu Zarin gave the South Korean city a glowing endorsement following a Chefs de Mission Seminar. 

The Seminar attracted more than 70 heads and representatives from 32 National Paralympic Committees on the world's largest continent.

Speaking in his opening speech Dato Zainal claimed all aspects of preparations for the Games, due to take place from October 18 to 24, had been considered.

"I'm truly impressed with what we've seen here, I assure you that Incheon is doing everything in its capacity to ensure that this will be the best Games ever," said the Malaysian.

"No stones are left unturned.

"Guangzhou set the benchmark in 2010, and now, Incheon has what it takes to achieve the same, if not better."

Delegates from the APC and the IPC consider the application of Incheon during the seminar ©APCDelegates from the APC and the IPC consider the application of Incheon during the seminar ©APC



The Asian Para Games were first held four years ago in Guangzhou, replacing the Far East and South Pacific Games for the Disabled.

As well as providing an opportunity to compete at the highest levels, the Games are also significant because they allow participants to collect qualification points towards the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

More than 6,000 athletes, officials and volunteers are expected to feature in a programme consisting of 23 sports and 603 events, with the four new sports of lawn bowls, sailing, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair dance sport having been added to the programme. 

"We are striving towards the realisation of Asian Paralympic Games 2020 Vision in six years' time," Dato Zainal said.

"In that span of time, we'll face another two editions of Asian Para Games, two Paralympic Games, several regional Games, numerous single sport championships, General Assemblies and Conferences.

"With two years to go until the Rio Paralympic Games in Brazil, Incheon is an important platform for athletes and countries to prove their worth.

"The world will witness the prowess and might of our Asian Para stars, competing for pride and honour for their nations."

Among other attendees at the seminar was the President of Incheon 2014, Kim Sung Il, as well as other key officials from the IPC and APC, as well as Incheon 2014.

Participating Chef de Mission's were also taken for a tour to the Games' main venues, including the newly opened main Stadium in Yeonhui-dong Seogu, and the Athletes' Village in Namdong-gu where athletes, coaches and officials will be housed.

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