India targets 100 medals at Asian Para Games after historic Hangzhou campaign
Hyderabad: The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) organised a grand send-off ceremony for the Indian contingent ahead of the 5th Asian Para Games, Aichi-Nagoya 2026, in New Delhi on Thursday.
The ceremony brought together athletes, dignitaries, partners, coaches and support staff ahead of the continental multi-sport event, scheduled to take place in Japan from October 18 to 24, 2026.
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon’ble Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. A key highlight was the unveiling of the official Team India jersey, symbolising national pride, unity and the determination of India’s para-athletes.
The ceremony was attended by Shri Devendra Jhajharia, President, Paralympic Committee of India; Dr. Narendra Singh, President, Para Athletics Federation of India; Shri Satyanarayana, Chief Coach, India Para Athletics, PCI; Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson, Paralympic Committee of India; and Shri Jayawant Gundu Hamanawar, Secretary General, Paralympic Committee of India.
The Indian contingent will be led by Rahul Swami, Chef de Mission, and Ms. Parul Mahajan Oberoi, Deputy Chef de Mission, who will oversee the delegation’s coordination and support during the Games.
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya commended the athletes for their determination and the challenges they had overcome to represent India. He said, “It is not a small thing to challenge circumstances and move forward. Earning your family’s trust when society doubts whether you can succeed requires immense strength. You strengthen your belief, accept every challenge, move forward, set a goal, choose a sport, achieve success at the national level, and then participate in international competitions. You have already won the journey of life. Now, you also have to conquer the journey of medals. I welcome you all. I have complete faith in you.”
Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson, Paralympic Committee of India, wished the Indian contingent great success at Aichi-Nagoya 2026. She thanked the partners, coaches and all support staff for their dedication and contribution to the athletes’ preparations, acknowledging the collective effort behind Team India’s campaign.
India heads into the Games with a target of approximately 100 medals, reflecting confidence in the athletes’ preparations, competitive experience and ability to perform against Asia’s finest para-sporting talent.
At the previous Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China, India achieved its best-ever tally of 111 medals, including 29 gold, 31 silver and 51 bronze. The historic performance marked a significant milestone in Indian para-sport and provides a strong foundation for the upcoming campaign.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Devendra Jhajharia, President, Paralympic Committee of India, said, “Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel are exceptional champions whose achievements and resilience will inspire the entire Indian contingent. After our historic 111-medal performance at the previous Asian Para Games, I am confident that our athletes are well-prepared to deliver another outstanding performance and set new benchmarks at Aichi-Nagoya 2026.”
Paralympic gold medallist Pramod Bhagat and Paralympic silver medallist Bhavina Patel have been named India’s flag bearers for the Opening Ceremony. Their selection recognises their outstanding sporting achievements, resilience and contributions to the growth of para-sport in India.
Expressing confidence ahead of the Games, Pramod Bhagat said, “We are heading to Aichi-Nagoya with great expectations and confidence in our preparations. We have trained hard and are ready to give our best for India. I expect our para-badminton team to perform strongly and make a significant contribution to India’s overall medal tally.”