SAI Gandhinagar Salutes Heroes: Asian Para Games 2026 Medallists Honoured
SAI Gandhinagar celebrates the triumph of Indian para-athletes from the Asian Para Games 2026, highlighting their medals and the support of NCOE.
The Sports Authority of India (SAI), Regional Centre Gandhinagar, recently hosted a grand felicitation ceremony to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of Indian para-athletes who brought glory to the nation at the Asian Para Games 2026 held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The event was a tribute to the grit, perseverance, and unwavering dedication of the athletes, as well as the tireless efforts of their coaches and support teams.
India delivered a powerhouse performance at the Games, securing a total of 114 medals. A significant portion of this success came from the National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) Gandhinagar, where current and former athletes collectively contributed 16 medals to the national tally.
The Stars of the Show: Medallists in the Spotlight
The ceremony highlighted several standout performers who pushed the boundaries of human endurance and skill:
- Tejalben Amraji Damor: A force in athletics, she secured a silver medal in the Women’s 400m T12 and a bronze in the Women’s 200m T12.
- Prachi Pandey: A Khelo India athlete from NCOE Gandhinagar, she clinched a bronze medal in the Women’s Singles Class 6 para table tennis event.
- Shubham Wadhwa: Dominating the table tennis arena, he earned bronze medals in both the Men’s Doubles MD4 and Mixed Doubles XD7 events.
- Nimisha: Among the former NCOE athletes, she displayed incredible agility to win silver in the T46 Long Jump.
- Shailesh Kumar: Another former NCOE star, he achieved the ultimate glory with a gold medal in High Jump and a bronze in Long Jump.
All the medallists and participating athletes were honoured with bouquets, while the ceremony also extended gratitude to the families and support staff who stood by them throughout their rigorous preparation.
Beyond the Field: The Secret to Success
During the event, the athletes shared how the holistic approach at SAI Gandhinagar helped them reach the podium. Para table tennis player Prachi Pandey emphasized that her growth wasn't just about sport-specific coaching. She credited the comprehensive support system, which includes:
- Advanced fitness training
- Sports psychology and mental conditioning
- Yoga and meditation for overall well-being
Prachi expressed her confidence that continued access to such high-quality facilities would propel Indian athletes to even greater heights on the international stage.
Overcoming Adversity: Shubham’s Inspiring Journey
One of the most emotional moments of the ceremony was when Shubham Wadhwa shared his personal struggle. Having suffered a severe motorcycle accident in 2015, returning to sports seemed like an uphill battle. However, with the combined support of his family, coaches, and SAI, he turned his challenge into a triumph. Having already won two gold medals at his first Asian Para Games, Shubham has now set his sights on the World Championships, the Commonwealth Games 2030, and the Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.
A Vision for the Future
Tejalben Amraji Damor expressed her gratitude to her coach, Nitin Chaudhary, and the SAI team. She also noted the importance of promoting sports within Gujarat, especially as the state prepares to host the Commonwealth Games 2030.
Prashant Singh, Regional Director of SAI Regional Centre Gandhinagar, reaffirmed the organization's commitment to excellence.
“Our priority is to provide athletes with quality coaching, facilities, nutrition and sports science support to help them achieve their full potential,”he stated, noting that the recent medals are a result of a collective effort between the athletes, coaches, and support staff.
The event saw the presence of key officials, including Bibhubhushan (Deputy Director, SAI NCOE Ahmedabad) and Smt. Ishpreet Kaur (Assistant Director, SAI Regional Centre Gandhinagar), who all lauded the athletes for their contribution to the growth of para-sports in India.