Afghanistan’s flag will be included in tomorrow’s opening ceremony for the Paralympics, even though the country’s athletes are unable to make it to Japan for the games.

Organisers say a representative from the UN will carry the flag as a message of solidarity.

Daily Covid-19 cases remain at record-high levels in Japan, meaning the Torch Relay today was once again scaled back – it will be a special ceremony for the torchbearers rather than a road route.

Although the games will be without spectators, that hasn’t dampened the atmosphere in Tokyo.

Paralympics opening ceremony to include Afghan flag