- Paralympic champions Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel will lead the Indian contingent as flag bearers.
- PCI President Devendra Jhajharia expressed his delight at Bhagat and Patel.
- The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games will bring together para-athletes.
Paralympic champions Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel will lead the Indian contingent as flag bearers at the Opening Ceremony of the Asian Para Games 2026, scheduled to be held from October 18 to 24 in Nagoya, Japan.
Bhagat, one of India's most decorated para badminton players, has enjoyed a highly successful career at the continental level. He has won six Asian Para Games medals between 2014 and 2023, including two gold and four bronze medals.
Patel, meanwhile, is one of India's leading para table tennis players. She has won two Asian Para Games medals between 2018 and 2023, securing one silver and one bronze.
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Speaking about the honour, Patel said she was proud to be chosen as India's flag bearer and highlighted the significance of carrying the Tricolour at the Opening Ceremony.
"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. I am excited to walk into the Opening Ceremony with Pramod and lead our contingent. I hope all our athletes compete with confidence, enjoy the moment and give their very best for India," Patel said in a release.
PCI To Hold Send-Off Ceremony
The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) will formally see off the Indian contingent at a special send-off ceremony on October 8.
Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya will attend the event as the chief guest, while Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, will be the Guest of Honour.
Blind Football Ones to Watch at the 5th Asian Para Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 include Team Iran and Team China. A total of 48 athletes from 6 nations will compete at Nagoya City Tsuruma Park Multipurpose Ground , bringing teamwork, skill and exciting action to the field. https://t.co/oA09p50Rtm
— Asian Paralympic Committee (@asianparalympic) October 7, 2026
PCI President Devendra Jhajharia expressed his delight at Bhagat and Patel being selected to carry the Indian flag in Nagoya.
"It is a matter of immense pride for us to have Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel lead the Indian contingent at the Opening Ceremony. Both are exceptional champions who have contributed immensely to the growth of Indian para sport. Their journey, achievements and resilience make them fitting representatives of the Indian contingent, and I am confident they will inspire our athletes as they embark on this important campaign," Jhajharia said.
India Eye Strong Showing In Nagoya
The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games will bring together para-athletes from across the continent, with India aiming to continue its impressive progress on the international stage.