By Gary Anderson

January 6 - From left to right: Dato' Zainal Abu Zarin, Malini Rajasagaran, Hwang Eui Sik and the Woo Hee Chang at the formal Incheon 2014 Asian Para Games contract signing ©Asian Paralympic CommitteeOfficials from the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) and the 2014 Incheon Asian Para Games Organising Committee (IAPGOC) today signed the formal agreement for the hosting of the event, at a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur.

APC President Dato' Zainal Abu Zarin was on hand to witness the signing of the contract between APC secretary general Malini Rajasagaran and IAPGOC secretary general Hwang Eui Sik, who was joined in the Malaysian capital by IAPGOC international department director Woo Hee Chang, who was attending on behalf of IAPGOC President Kim Sung-il.

"IAPGOC is making concerted efforts to meet all requirements of the Games," Malini said.

"APC and IAPGOC are working closely to ensure that Games' requirements are fulfilled in the best interest of athletes, officials and Games stakeholders."

Just under 10,000 athletes from 42 nations are expected to attend the 2014 Asian Para Games in Incheon, the second time the Games will have been held following the inaugural event in Guangzhou in 2010.

Athletes competed across 19 sports at those Games, but for this year's event wheelchair dancing, wheelchair rugby, sailing and lawn bowls have been added to the programme bringing the number of sports up to 23.

Wheelchair rugby is one of four sports added to the Asian Para Games programme for Incheon 2014 ©Getty ImagesWheelchair rugby is one of four sports added to the Asian Para Games programme for Incheon 2014 ©Getty Images

























These sports will join athletics, boccia, five-a-side football, seven-a-side football, goalball, judo, powerlifting, archery, badminton, cycling, rowing, wheelchair fencing, tenpin bowling, sitting volleyball, swimming, table tennis, wheelchair tennis, wheelchair basketball and shooting on the programme.

"The Asian Para Games opens up new horizons, and provides opportunities for sports leaders, athletes, officials and nations to enhance the development of Parasport in their countries," Dato' Zainal explained.

"With 23 sports listed, four more compared to Guangzhou 2010, the Incheon Para Games promises to be an even [more] exciting affair.

"The 2014 Asian Para Games will be significant as athletes prepare themselves, competing and collecting valuable points to be part of the party in Rio [2016 Paralympic Games] on merit."

The Asian Para Games will take place on October 18-24 and will follow on from the Asian Games, which run from September 19 to October 4 in the South Korean city.

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