Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel named India’s flag-bearers for the Para-Asian Games
Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel will lead the Indian contingent at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games, with the two Paralympic medalists named as India’s flag bearers for the opening ceremony on October 18 in Nagoya, Japan.
The honor brings together two of India’s most successful para-athletes, with Bhagat and Patel winning eight medals at the Asian Para Games. Bhagat won six medals at the continental event, including two gold and four bronze, while Patel won two medals, a silver and a bronze.
PRAMOD BHAGAT FAVORITE TO WIN GOLD
Bhagat, the reigning Paralympic champion from Tokyo, heads into the Asian Para Games in strong form. The 37-year-old continued his para badminton dominance earlier this year by winning a record sixth world title in the men’s SL3 category at the BWF Para World Championships.
Bhagat defeated Indonesia’s Muhammad Al Imran 21-12, 21-18 in the final to claim his fourth straight singles gold at the championships. His six world titles in the category also made him the most decorated singles champion in the history of world championships across formats.
The achievement marked a significant return to the top for Bhagat, who was serving an 18-month suspension for breaching the World Badminton Federation’s anti-doping whereabouts clause. The suspension ruled him out of the Paris Paralympics, but he returned to competition in September and quickly regained form.
Since his return, Bhagat has won 10 gold medals in singles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles at tournaments held in China, Nigeria, Australia and Japan.
The para badminton star also performed regularly at the Asian Para Games, where she won six medals between 2014 and 2023. He won gold in men’s singles SL3 at the 2018 edition and added another gold in men’s doubles at the 2022 Games alongside his four bronze medals.
Patel, meanwhile, will share the honor after establishing herself as one of India’s leading para table tennis players. The Paralympic silver medalist won two medals from the 2018 to 2023 Asian Para Games, including a silver and a bronze.
The selection of the pair comes as India prepares for their campaign at the fifth Asian Para Games to be held from October 18 to 24.
“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 sports,” said Paralympic Committee of India President Devendra Jhajharia.
“Their journey, achievements and resilience make them suitable representatives of the Indian contingent and I am confident that they will inspire our athletes as they embark on this important campaign.”
Patel said wearing the tricolor at the commencement ceremony would be a special moment in her career.
“It’s a very proud moment for me to be chosen as India’s flag bearer. When you wear the tricolour, you realize that you represent something much bigger than yourself,” said Patel.
“I am excited to enter the opening ceremony with Pramod and lead our contingent. I hope all our athletes will compete with confidence, enjoy the moment and give their best for India.”
The Paralympic Committee of India will formally see off the Indian contingent at a special send-off ceremony at the ITC Maurya in New Delhi on 8 October. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya will be the chief guest while Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse will be the guest of honour.
When India begin their campaign in Nagoya, Bhagat and Patel will lead the contingent to the opening ceremony and carry the tricolor as two of the country’s most experienced and decorated para-athletes.
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