Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics Begin
The opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games was held on Friday, March 6, 2026.
Japan is set to send 44 athletes, the highest number ever for the country at an overseas Winter Paralympics.
Para sports offer a different kind of appeal from the Olympics.
To help you enjoy the Games even more, here are three Japanese athletes to watch.
① Momoka Muraoka (Para Alpine Skiing)
One of the leading stars of Japan’s Paralympic team is Momoka Muraoka.
- PyeongChang Paralympics: 1 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze
- Beijing Paralympics: 3 gold medals
She also competed in wheelchair track at the Tokyo Paralympics,
and is known as an athlete who has appeared in both the Summer and Winter Paralympics.
She is again expected to be one of Japan’s main medal hopes in Milano.
② Taiki Kawayoke (Para Nordic Skiing)
Taiki Kawayoke is a standout in endurance events such as cross-country skiing and biathlon.
He has also won on the World Cup circuit and is regarded as one of the world’s top athletes in his discipline.
As one of Japan’s leading hopes with both endurance and speed,
he is expected to contend for medals again in Milano.
③ Aki Ogawa (Wheelchair Curling)
One of the most popular Paralympic winter events is wheelchair curling.
Japan has previously won a world championship title in this sport,
and is considered one of the medal contenders.
One of the key athletes at the center of that team is Aki Ogawa.
With its strategic depth and matches that can swing on the final stone,
curling stands out as one of the most entertaining para sports to watch.
Japan sends a record 44 athletes for an overseas Winter Paralympics
At the Milano Cortina Games, Japan is planning to send 44 athletes,
the highest number ever for the country at a Winter Paralympics held overseas.
The main sports include:
- Para Alpine Skiing
- Para Nordic Skiing
- Para Snowboard
- Wheelchair Curling
- Para Ice Hockey
As with the Olympics, Japanese athletes are expected to contend for medals across several events.
Summary
At the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics, Japan is set to be represented by 44 athletes.
Among them, these three are especially worth watching:
- Momoka Muraoka (Para Alpine Skiing)
- Taiki Kawayoke (Para Nordic Skiing)
- Aki Ogawa (Wheelchair Curling)
Para sports offer a different kind of appeal from the Olympics.
Japan’s performances will be well worth following.
