The Japanese Paralympic delegation entered the Bird's Nest National Stadium at the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games Saturday night.

Japan sent 163 athletes to Beijing, the same for Athens four years ago.

Legendary para-swimmer Narita Mayumi, who collected seven golds and one bronze at the Athens Paralympics, is one of the most hopeful gold contenders for the Japanese delegation.

The 38 year-old will compete in four events, namely the 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke, 150m individual medley and 100m freestyle in Beijing.

She won two golds in Atlanta and six golds in Sydney.

Japan, which got 52 medals, including 17 golds in Athens, has set its goal at 39 medals this time.

Besides the events in which they have a traditional advantage, such as swimming and judo, the Japanese athletes are also expected to win in fencing and wheelchair basketball.

(Xinhua News Agency September 6, 2008)