From Software Engineer to Podium: Prachi Pandey Makes History at Asian Para Games 2026
Software engineer turned athlete Prachi Pandey makes history with India's first-ever medal in Women's Singles Class 6 at Asian Para Games 2026.
In a landmark moment for Indian Para Table Tennis, Prachi Pandey has clinched the Bronze Medal in the Women’s Singles Class 6 at the Asian Para Games 2026 held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The 33-year-old athlete has not only secured a personal victory but has etched her name in the history books by winning India’s first-ever medal in this specific event.
A Dream Realized on the Continental Stage
For Prachi, who entered the prestigious Games as a debutant, the achievement is the culmination of years of grit and sacrifice. Reflecting on the moment, she described winning a medal for India at her first Asian Para Games as a "dream come true" and an incredibly proud milestone.
The World No. 17 showcased her skill and resilience throughout the tournament, battling through a highly competitive international field to reach the semifinals. In a high-stakes clash, she faced Iraq’s Najlah Al-Dayyeni, the World No. 5 and the reigning Paralympic and Asian Para Games champion, ultimately securing her place on the podium.
An Extraordinary Career Pivot
Prachi’s journey to the podium is as inspiring as the victory itself. Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, she possesses a strong academic background, holding an M.Tech degree from Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh. Between 2020 and 2023, she worked as a full-stack software developer.
Despite facing a progressive neurological condition, Prachi decided to transition from the corporate world to pursue Para Table Tennis full-time. This career transformation required immense determination, turning her focus from coding to the sports arena.
A Record of Excellence
Prachi’s rise has been steady and dominant, both domestically and internationally:
- Domestic Dominance: She secured gold medals at the National Para Table Tennis Championships in both 2022 and 2023. She also won gold at the inaugural Khelo India Para Games in 2023 and repeated the achievement in the 2025 edition.
- International Success: Since her first ITTF medal at the 2023 Brazilian Para Open, she has collected 12 medals in ITTF ranking tournaments, including four silver and eight bronze medals.
- Recent Triumphs: Her recent accolades include a silver at the 2026 ITTF World Para Future Gold Coast and bronze medals at the 2026 ITTF World Para Future Nakhon Ratchasima, the 2025 ITTF World Para Challenger Kaohsiung, and the 2025 ITTF World Para Future Costa Brava.
The Engine Behind the Success: SAI NCoE Gandhinagar
Prachi credits much of her success to the structured high-performance environment at the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence (SAI NCoE) in Gandhinagar, where she has trained since June 2023. As the Nodal Centre for Para Sports, the facility has provided her with specialized coaching and international exposure.
Her rigorous preparation involves three intensive training sessions daily. This is supported by a multidisciplinary team that manages her strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, mental conditioning, rehabilitation, and recovery services.
"My journey from working as a software engineer to standing on the Asian Para Games podium has been full of challenges, sacrifices and determination," Prachi stated, expressing her gratitude to the Khelo India programme and her support team.