A total of 41 countries have confirmed their participation in the upcoming Asian Para Games in Jakarta.

The head of the organizing committee Raja Sapta Oktohari said the countries would send as many as 2,880 of their athletes to compete in the Games scheduled to be held from October 6-13. The total athletes will compete in 18 sports, among them badminton, basketball, table tennis, swimming, chess, cycling and fencing.

The opening ceremony, the official said, will display a performance which puts more focus on the humanitarian aspects of Indonesian culture.

The official asked the Indonesian community to give their support for the Games. "Hopefully, we can be a good host, and the people will give their support as this event will be a big starter for the history of the nation," he added.

At the same time, Indonesia has recruited a total of 7,500 volunteers for the Games, who will be trained in effective communication, interpersonal skills, etiquette and the way to interact with those with disabilities.

(Cover: Members of Afghanistan's women's wheelchair basketball team singing their national anthem during the qualifying tournament for the Asian Para Games in Bangkok, March 7, 2018. /VCG Photo)