India Clears 281-Member Contingent for Asian Para Games 2026
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has approved a 281-member contingent, including 168 athletes, for the 2026 Asian Para Games in Japan.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) has officially greenlit a 281-member Indian contingent for the upcoming 5th Asian Para Games 2026. Set to take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, the games will see India's finest para-athletes competing for glory from October 18 to 24.
The massive squad consists of 168 athletes, 98 team officials or supporting staff, and 15 contingent staff members. While the numbers are substantial, the contingent is notably smaller than the one sent to Hangzhou, China, in 2023, where India fielded 303 athletes.
Why the Contingent Size Has Shrunk
The reduction in the size of the Indian squad is attributed to two primary factors. First, certain disciplines in which India previously competed—such as Blind Chess, Para-Rowing, and Para-Canoeing—are not part of this edition. Second, the Organising Committee has implemented strict quota restrictions across several sporting disciplines.
A significant impact of these restrictions is seen in Para Athletics. In the previous edition, India sent a massive group of 123 athletes for this category; however, due to the new quotas, the number has been trimmed down to 62 athletes.
Athlete Breakdown and Disciplines
The 168 athletes representing India are composed of 112 men and 56 women, competing across 11 different sporting disciplines. The distribution of athletes is as follows:
- Para Athletics: 62 athletes (46 Male, 16 Female)
- Para Badminton: 28 athletes (17 Male, 11 Female)
- Para Swimming: 16 athletes (14 Male, 2 Female)
- Para Shooting: 13 athletes (7 Male, 6 Female)
- Para Archery: 11 athletes (6 Male, 5 Female)
- Blind Football: 10 athletes (10 Male)
- Para Table-Tennis: 10 athletes (4 Male, 6 Female)
- Para Powerlifting: 8 athletes (4 Male, 4 Female)
- Para Judo: 7 athletes (2 Male, 5 Female)
- Boccia: 2 athletes (1 Male, 1 Female)
- Para Cycling: 1 athlete (1 Male)
To ensure peak performance, the athletes will be supported by a dedicated team of 113 officials, including coaches, medical professionals, and NPC officials.
Champions to Lead the Way
The Indian contingent will be led at the Opening Ceremony by two of the nation's most decorated para-athletes, Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel, who will serve as the flag bearers.
Pramod Bhagat, a titan in Para Badminton, arrives with an impressive track record, having secured six Asian Para Games medals between 2014 and 2023, including two Gold and four Bronze medals. Joining him is Bhavina Patel, a standout in Para Table Tennis, who has earned a Silver and a Bronze medal in previous Asian Para Games editions between 2018 and 2023.