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TOKYO – The Tokyo Deaflympics concluded on Wednesday, with Japan, the host country, securing a new record of 51 medals throughout the event.

A formal closing ceremony took place at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium in the capital, marking the end of the 12-day global sporting competition for the deaf and hard of hearing, an event that Japan organized for the first time in its history.

The events, organized to promote a more inclusive community, featured approximately 3,000 athletes from around 81 nations and regions participating in 21 various competitions.

The Japanese team, consisting of approximately 270 competitors, participated in all events for the first time.

“The view of the remarkable displays by deaf athletes has provided strength, motivation, and optimism to individuals across the globe,” said Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike in her speech at the event.

“Deaf sports adds value and embodies excellence,” and demonstrates that “nothing is impossible,” stated Adam Kosa, president of the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf, before announcing the conclusion of the games.

Ukraine, a leading force in the Deaflympics, once more topped the medal standings this year, securing 32 golds, while the United States came in second with 17 and Japan followed closely with 16.

The Japanese Federation of the Deaf reported that Japan won 16 gold, 12 silver, and 23 bronze medals.

Many venues were located in and near the capital, while cycling took place in Shizuoka Prefecture in central Japan, and football was held in Fukushima Prefecture, which was affected by the disaster in the country’s northeast, to highlight the area’s recovery.

All venues offered free entry to the public, and the games served as a chance to enhance awareness of deaf individuals and sign language.