Li,Yan named China's flagbearers for Asian Para Games opening ceremony

Para taekwondo athlete Li Yujie and para powerlifter Yan Panpan will carry China's flag at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan on Sunday, the Chinese delegation announced on Saturday.

Li, a student at Beijing Sport University, won bronze in the women's K44-58kg category at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021 which was also China's first-ever Paralympic medal in taekwondo.

She also claimed gold in the K44-57kg category at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, earning the country its first Paralympic gold in the sport.

The 25-year-old was also named 2025 World Para Taekwondo Female Athlete of the Year, becoming the first Team China athlete to receive the honor.

Yan, who graduated from Beijing Sport University earlier this year, took gold in the men's 97kg category at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021, and followed that up with gold in the 88kg category at the Paris Paralympics three years later.

In 2025, he claimed the 88kg title at the World Para Powerlifting Championships in Cairo.

Competition at the 5th Asian Para Games kicked off on Friday, two days before the opening ceremony.

China beat hosts Japan 1-0 in men's blind football, while wheelchair basketball, para table tennis and para badminton also got underway.

More than 300 Chinese athletes will compete in 335 events across 17 sports at the Games, which will run until October 24.