Bhagat and Patel to Lead India at 2026 Asian Para Games
Paralympic stars Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel have been named flag bearers for India at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games in Japan.
In a massive boost to morale for the nation's para-athletes, Paralympic champions Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel have been selected to serve as the official flag bearers for India at the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games. The duo will lead the Indian contingent during the grand Opening Ceremony scheduled for October 18 in Nagoya, Japan.
This prestigious honour recognises the extraordinary resilience and sporting excellence of two athletes who have become household names in the world of para-sports. As India prepares to launch its campaign at the 5th edition of the Asian Para Games, Bhagat and Patel will carry the Tricolour at the head of a determined squad.
A Legacy of Medals and Excellence
The selection of these two champions is backed by a stellar track record of international success. Together, they bring a combined total of eight Asian Para Games medals to the forefront of the Indian contingent:
- Pramod Bhagat: The decorated para badminton star has been a consistent force on the continental stage, securing six medals between 2014 and 2023, including two Gold and four Bronze medals.
- Bhavina Patel: A powerhouse in para table tennis, Patel has earned two Asian Para Games medals between 2018 and 2023, consisting of one Silver and one Bronze.
Their journey from rising talents to global icons symbolises India's evolving status in the para-sport arena—moving from mere participation to becoming a dominant force of performance and recognition.
Official Send-Off in New Delhi
Before the team departs for Japan, the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) will host a formal Send-Off Ceremony on October 8 in New Delhi. The event will feature high-ranking officials, including Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, as the Chief Guest, and Minister of State Raksha Nikhil Khadse as the Guest of Honour.
"It is a matter of immense pride for us to have Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel lead the Indian contingent. Both are exceptional champions who have contributed immensely to the growth of Indian para sport," said Devendra Jhajharia, President of the Paralympic Committee of India.
The Weight of the Tricolour
For Bhavina Patel, the honour is deeply emotional. Speaking on her selection, she highlighted the responsibility that comes with the role.
"It is a very proud moment for me to be chosen as India's flag bearer. When you carry the Tricolour, you realise that you are representing something much bigger than yourself," Patel remarked. She added that she hopes all Indian athletes compete with confidence and give their absolute best for the nation.
The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games, running from October 18 to 24, will see the best para-athletes from across Asia compete. With Bhagat and Patel leading the way, India aims to build upon its recent successes and cement its place among the elite sporting nations of the continent.