Asian Para Games 2026: India Deploys Powerhouse Squad with Japan Exposure
India deploys a 168-member squad for Asian Para Games 2026 with massive funding and international training in Japan and SAI centres.
India is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a historic performance at the Asian Para Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya. With a massive contingent of 168 athletes—comprising 112 men and 56 women—the Government of India has rolled out an intensive support system involving international exposure, high-tech equipment, and rigorous domestic training to ensure the team returns with a haul of medals.
A Massive Financial Push for Para-Athletes
The preparation for the Aichi-Nagoya Games has been backed by significant financial investments. The support has been primarily channeled through two major avenues: the Annual Calendar for Training and Competition (ACTC) and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
- ACTC Investment: A total of ₹80.22 crore was allocated to facilitate training and competition.
- TOPS Investment: A sustained investment of ₹18.34 crore was made to support elite athletes.
The squad is a blend of experience and fresh energy, featuring 47 athletes under the TOPS program, 33 Khelo India Athletes (KIAs), and 61 debutants making their first appearance on this prestigious stage.
Global Exposure and Domestic Rigour
To give the athletes a competitive edge, India facilitated specialized training across various geographies. A highlight of the preparation was the international camp for the para-archery contingent, which trained at the Kurobe Archery Centre in Japan between September and October.
Strategic Training Hubs Across India
While some athletes went abroad, others utilized the state-of-the-art facilities of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and other specialized academies:
- Para-Archery: Domestic training was conducted at the SAI Regional Centre in Sonipat.
- Para Swimming & Powerlifting: Athletes trained at the SAI Regional Centre in Gandhinagar.
- Para Shooting: The Dr. Karni Singh shooting range served as the primary hub.
- Blind Football: The team underwent rigorous drills in Kochi.
- Blind Judo: Athletes attended a specialized camp at the Indian Para Judo Academy in Lucknow this October.
- Para Cycling: The cycling velodrome at the SAI IG Stadium in New Delhi was the designated training site.
Additionally, general National Coaching Camps (NCC) were held from September to October at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, SAI Sonipat, and the SAI Regional Centre in Bengaluru.
The Road to Aichi-Nagoya
India is competing across 11 different sports disciplines, showcasing the breadth of its para-sports talent:
- Para Athletics, Para-Archery, and Para Badminton
- Para Table Tennis, Boccia, and Blind Football
- Para Cycling, Blind Judo, Para Powerlifting, Para Shooting, and Para Swimming
The campaign has already kicked off, with para badminton, para table tennis, and the men's blind football team beginning their journey this Friday.
Key Dates and Flagbearers
The excitement will peak during the opening ceremony scheduled for October 18. India will be led by two stalwarts of the para-sports world: shuttler Pramod Bhagat and para table tennis star Bhavina Patel, who will serve as the flagbearers.
The high-stakes medal events are scheduled to take place from October 19 to October 24, where India looks to cement its position as a powerhouse in para-sports.