▲ This poster provided by the city of Busan promotes the 20th National Para Student Sports Festival, starting May 12, 2026, marking the event’s first-ever staging in the southeastern port city. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

BUSAN, May 4 (Yonhap) -- The city of Busan will host the 20th National Para Student Sports Festival starting May 12, marking the event’s first-ever staging in the southeastern port city.

    According to city officials, the opening ceremony will take place at Sajik Indoor Gymnasium at 3 p.m., beginning with the athletes’ entrance.

    About 5,000 student athletes with disabilities from across the country will compete in 17 sports over four days at 18 venues, including the Busan Asiad Main Stadium.

    A video message from athlete Kim Yoon-ji, an MVP at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics, will be shown during the ceremony. Singer Haha will perform afterward.

    The opening ceremony is free to attend, with entry available from 2 p.m. through a designated gate on the second floor of the venue. Various side events will also be held earlier in the day at the Asiad Sculpture Park area.

    Meanwhile, the National Youth Sports Festival will return after a 15-year hiatus, also in Busan, from May 23 for four days.

    Around 20,000 athletes will compete in 40 sports. The opening ceremony, scheduled for May 22 at BEXCO, will be held as a closed pre-event reception for athletes and officials.

    Acting Busan Mayor Kim Kyung-duk said the events will provide “a platform of harmony where future generations can pursue their dreams and grow in Busan as a global hub city.”

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