Asian Para Games' first medalist Takuro Yamada of Japan receives his trophy from Dato' Zainal Abu Zarin, President of the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC), after the men's S9 400 freestyle swimming in Guangzhou, Dec 13, 2010. [Photo/Xinhua]

GUANGZHOU - Takuro Yamada of Japan made history in Guangzhou on Monday as he finished first in the men's S9 400 freestyle final to claim the first-ever gold medal of the new-born Asian Para Games.

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The 19-year-old Yamada, who is the Asian record holder of the event, clocked 4 minutes 38.71 seconds to cruise to the top of the podium. China's Wang Jiachao finished second in front of the cheering home crowd. The bronze went to Kwon Hyun of South Korea.

The classification of S9 in swimming event is for wheelchair athletes and amputees.

It was the first time for the Asian Para Games, which emerged from the dissolution of the FESPIC Games (the parallel sport event for disabled Pacific and East Asian athletes), to run parallel to the Asian Games.

The quadrennial continental sports gala for the disabled opened its first edition with an emotional opening ceremony here on Dec 12 and will conclude on December 19.