'Indomitable Spirit': PM Modi Cheers Indian Heroes at Asian Para Games 2026
PM Narendra Modi cheers on India's para-athletes as the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games begin in Japan.
As the curtain rises on the Asian Para Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his heartfelt wishes to the Indian contingent, hailing their resilience and determination. In a stirring message, the Prime Minister emphasized that the grit and dedication of these phenomenal athletes serve as a beacon of inspiration for 140 crore Indians.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi expressed his immense pride in the athletes, urging them to compete with unwavering confidence and give their absolute best on the international stage.
A Grand Opening in Nagoya
The spirit of Indian sportsmanship was on full display at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya during the opening ceremony. Leading the Indian contingent as flag-bearers were two of the nation's most accomplished para-athletes: shuttler Pramod Bhagat and sprinter Simran Sharma.
Bhagat enters the competition as one of India's most decorated para-badminton players, boasting a legacy of six Asian Para Games medals, including two golds and four bronzes earned between 2014 and 2023. Simran Sharma, a bronze medalist from the 2024 Paralympics in the women's 200m T2, brings with her the experience of two previous Asian Para Games silver medals.
Contingent Details and Strategic Shifts
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) has cleared a total contingent of 281 members for this edition. This group consists of:
- 168 Athletes (112 male and 56 female)
- 98 Team officials and supporting staff
- 15 Contingent staff
While the squad is formidable, it is notably smaller than the 303-athlete contingent fielded during the 2023 Hangzhou Games. This decrease is attributed to strict quota restrictions imposed by the Organizing Committee and the absence of certain disciplines, such as Para-Canoeing, Para-Rowing, and Blind Chess.
The impact of these restrictions is most evident in para-athletics, where India's presence has dropped from 123 athletes in the previous edition to 62 for the Aichi-Nagoya games.
Eyes on the Gold: The Stars to Watch
India arrives in Japan looking to build upon its historic performance in Hangzhou, where the country clinched a record-breaking 111 medals (29 gold, 31 silver, and 51 bronze). With the games running from October 18 to 24, several superstars are expected to dominate:
Para-Athletics Heavyweights
Para-athletics, the biggest contributor to India's previous success, features a powerhouse lineup. Two-time Paralympic champion Sumit Antil is aiming to cement his legacy by defending his men's javelin throw F64 title. He is joined by other Paralympic champions including Dharambir Nain, Praveen Kumar, and Navdeep Singh.
The squad also includes strong medal contenders such as Paralympic medalists Preethi Pal, Deepthi Jeevanji, Nishad Kumar, Sachin Sarjerao Khilari, and Hokato Hotozhe Sema.
Shooting and Archery Hopefuls
In para-shooting, India is fielding a high-caliber team led by Avani Lekhara. A two-time Paralympic champion and the defending Asian Para Games champion in the women's 10m air rifle, Lekhara remains a favorite for the podium. Additionally, the 19-year-old Sheetal is emerging as a prominent name to watch in para-archery.