Asian Para Games 2026: India’s 281-Member Squad Opens Campaign in Japan

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India’s para-athletes began their campaign at the 5th Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, which run from October 18 to 24, 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent his good wishes to the contingent on the opening day, saying the country takes great pride in its para-athletes and urging them to compete with confidence.

India’s biggest para squad heads to Japan

The Sports Ministry cleared a 281-member contingent for the Games: 168 athletes (112 men and 56 women), 98 team officials and support staff, and 15 contingent staff. India is entered in 11 disciplines, with boccia added to the list after the initial approval covered 10 sports. Paralympic Committee of India CEO Rahul Swami is the Chef de Mission, with Parul Mahajan Oberoi as his deputy.

Familiar names lead the squad. Tokyo Paralympic badminton champion Pramod Bhagat, table tennis star Bhavina Patel, archers Sheetal Devi and Payal Nag, shooters Avani Lekhara and Mona Agarwal, javelin thrower Sumit Antil and badminton player Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj are among the athletes India will count on for medals.

A record to beat

At the previous edition in Hangzhou, India won 111 medals (29 gold, 31 silver and 51 bronze), its best haul ever at the Asian Para Games. At the send-off ceremony in New Delhi earlier this month, officials spoke of a target of around 100 medals this time. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya told the athletes they had already won through life’s toughest journey, while PCI president Devendra Jhajharia said he expected the team to set new benchmarks.

Matching Hangzhou will not be simple. The field in Japan includes 45 participating countries and regions, and hosts Japan, along with China, traditionally dominate the medals table. For India, a strong showing would continue the rise that para sport has seen since the Tokyo and Paris Paralympics.

Why it matters for readers in Maharashtra and Marathwada

Para sport facilities remain thin in many districts, including Jalna and the rest of Marathwada, where young athletes with disabilities often depend on school coaches and private support. Big-stage results tend to bring more attention, sponsorship and government schemes to the grassroots. Parents and coaches looking for pathways can start with the Khelo India and Paralympic Committee of India programmes, which run selection trials and national championships.

Read more sports coverage on NewsNation Online: India vs West Indies 5th T20I washed out in Bengaluru and a tribute to Asian Games shooting champion Jaspal Rana.

Key facts

Event: 5th Asian Para Games, Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
Dates: October 18–24, 2026
India’s contingent: 281 members, including 168 athletes
Disciplines: 11, including boccia
Previous best: 111 medals at Hangzhou
Target mentioned at send-off: around 100 medals

FAQ

When do the Asian Para Games 2026 end?
The Games close on October 24, 2026.

Who are India’s flag-bearers?
Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel were named flag-bearers at the send-off; some reports say Simran Sharma joined Bhagat at the opening ceremony.

How many medals did India win last time?
111 medals in Hangzhou, India’s best-ever tally.

Official statement: PM’s wishes to the Indian contingent (PIB).

स्रोत / Source: PIB — https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2324945; Outlook India — India at Asian Para Games 2026; Telangana Today — India targets 100 medals