The national team for this year's Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China, on the morning of Oct. 16 take a group photo at the departure ceremony held at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport. (Korea Paralympic Committee)

The national team for this year's Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China, left for the tournament on the morning of Oct. 16.

Korea Paralympic Committee (KPC) that day said it held a departure ceremony at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport attended by about 300 people including KPC President Jung Jin-owan, chef de mission Kim Jinhyeok, and the main batch of national athletes and staff.

Those who departed that day included competitors in weightlifting, canoeing, fencing, cycling, baduk (go), swimming and table tennis.

"Now is the time to prove the meaning of the sweat you've shed with results," Jung said in an encouragement speech. "I'm proud of everyone participating as national athletes in the tournament."

"I express my sincere thanks to the public and the families of disabled athletes for their heightened interest and support," Kim added. "All of our athletes will show their best performances to meet the public's expectations and support."

About 3,800 athletes and staff from 45 countries will take part in the Asian Para Games from Oct. 22-28, with the opening ceremony slated for Oct. 22 at Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium.

Korea aims for fourth place in the overall medal count and will send a delegation of 345 members to compete in 21 events.

President Yoon Suk Yeol on Oct. 13 sent a video message of support shown at the launching ceremony for the national team at the athletes' village in Icheon, Gyeonggi-do Province.

"Please fully wield your skills that you've sharpened and polished over all this time," he said.  "With the entire nation, I will root for our national athletes to put up a good fight."

jihlee08@korea.kr