Two Champions to Carry the Tricolour
Paralympic champions Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel have been chosen as India's flag bearers for the Opening Ceremony of the Asian Para Games, which will take place from October 18 to 24 in Nagoya, Japan. The announcement places two of the country's most accomplished para-athletes at the front of the Indian contingent as it prepares for the continental event.[S1][S2][S3][S4][S5][S6]
Bhagat, one of India's most decorated para badminton players, has collected six Asian Para Games medals between 2014 and 2023, including two gold and four bronze. Patel, a leading para table tennis player, has won two Asian Para Games medals between 2018 and 2023, a silver and a bronze. Their combined record makes them among the most experienced members of the Indian squad.[S1]
Pride and Inspiration
Patel described the selection as a moment of immense pride and expressed hope that the honour would inspire the Indian contingent. She said that carrying the Tricolour means representing something much larger than oneself, and that she looked forward to walking into the Opening Ceremony alongside Bhagat to lead the team. Patel also wished all Indian athletes confidence, enjoyment and their best performances.[S1]
PCI president Devendra Jhajharia said Bhagat and Patel's achievements and resilience made them ideal choices to lead India at the continental para-sport showpiece. He noted that both are exceptional champions who have contributed greatly to the growth of Indian para sport, and that their journeys make them fitting representatives of the contingent. Jhajharia added that he is confident they will inspire the athletes during the campaign.[S1]
Send-Off and Continental Challenge
The Paralympic Committee of India will formally send off the Indian contingent at a special ceremony on October 8. Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya will attend as chief guest, with Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse as the Guest of Honour. The event will mark the team's final home engagement before travelling to Japan.[S1]
The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games will bring together para-athletes from across Asia. India will aim to build on its growing success at major international competitions, following a strong Asian Games campaign in Aichi-Nagoya where the country finished fourth in the medal tally with 85 medals, including 21 gold. The para-athletes will look to carry that momentum into the Asian Para Games.[S1]
