Viewers worldwide have been stunned by the inspirational performances on the opening day of the Tokyo Paralympics.

Egypt's Ibrahim Hamadtou, who lost his arms in an accident aged 10, is competing in the men's Class 6 table tennis tournament.

Hamadtou plays with the paddle in his mouth and serves the table tennis ball with this foot.

He was defeated 3-0 but said after the game: "I'm sad about the loss, but I hope to win the next match."

Viewers were also stunned by swimmers with limb deficiencies who need to clutch to a towel in their mouths after their event.

The New Zealand contingent made a rocky start to their campaign in Tokyo today, with athletes taking centre stage in the pool, at the velodrome and on the wheelchair rugby court.

Kiwi cyclist Nicole Murray led the way with her performance in the women's 3000m individual pursuit (C5), qualifying for the bronze medal race with the fourth-fastest time.

Sophie Pascoe will begin her fourth Paralympic Games campaign today when she hits the pool for the second heat of the women's 100m breaststroke (SB8).