Late invite to Para Asian Games but Sachin Chamaria sees Boccia glory

Not too long ago, Sachin Chamaria introduced us to the world of Bocce, a precision sport that resembles bowls and remains relatively unknown in Indian para sports. However, for the 35-year-old, Boccia is much more than just an unfamiliar game. It is a sport that has given him a new meaning and the opportunity to compete at the highest level.

Sachin’s life changed forever in 2008 when a road accident in Kolkata left him paralyzed from the neck down at the age of just 17. Before the tragedy, he was an accomplished martial artist who represented India and won the national taekwondo championship. He was also passionate about football and cricket.

The accident changed his life, but could not extinguish his sporting ambitions.

Determined to compete again, Sachin initially took up the batting and had some success. However, he soon realized that reaching the highest level in the discipline would be a challenge. His search for another sporting path eventually led him to Boccia, a game that requires precision, tactical awareness and poise.

It turned out to be a turning point.

Today, Sachin is a six-time national champion and India’s highest-ranked BC3 Boccia player. His journey has taken him from heartbreak after a life-changing accident to the international stage, and now he has another chance to make it big. Sachin Chamaria is a six-time national champion. Courtesy: Sachin Chamaria Instagram

However, the call came late.

Sachin and Anjali Devi were cleared to compete in individual Boccia events at the Para-Asian Games in Japan, joining the Indian contingent at a late stage. Coach Gurpreet Singh will lead the duo, assisted by two ramp operators during the competition.

For Sachin, who competes in the BC3 category, the opportunity goes beyond adding another tournament to his resume. He wants to use the platform to put Indian boccia on the map and inspire more athletes with disabilities to take up the sport.

“I got confirmation of my inclusion after the sports ministry approved two Boccia athletes for the Indian contingent. I am grateful to the ministry and everyone who gave me this opportunity,” Sachin said in an exclusive chat with India Today.

“Wearing the Indian jersey is a responsibility that I deeply value and I look forward to representing the country in the BC3 singles and pairs events. I hope my participation will bring more recognition to Boccia and encourage more athletes with disabilities to take up the sport.”

EYES ON THE PRIZE

Sachin arrives at the Para Asian Games on the back of an impressive international campaign. At the World Boccia Challenger in Cairo, he won silver in BC3 Pairs alongside Sarita Dwivedi and bronze in BC3 Individual. He is also ranked among the world’s top 20 players in the sport.

With international experience, Sachin knows what the competition demands. His approach is straightforward: deliver shots with precision, read the situation intelligently and keep calm when the pressure is on.

The ultimate goal is to get India into medal contention. Sachin Chamaria is set to participate in the Para Asian Games. Courtesy: Sachin Chamaria Instagram

“Boccia requires precision, tactical thinking and composure, especially when you are competing against experienced international players. I will focus on executing each shot accurately, reading match situations and making the right decisions under pressure.”

“My recent performances at the World Boccia Challenger in Cairo, where I won silver in BC3 Pairs with Sarita Dwivedi and bronze in BC3 Individual, have given me valuable international experience. I will draw on these learnings as I compete in both events at the Para-Asian Games to give my best and put India in medal contention,” Sachin said.

Yet for all his personal ambitions, Sachin’s larger vision goes beyond the medal tally. He wants Boccia to gain the kind of recognition that other lesser-known sports in India have gradually managed to attract.

After witnessing the growth of lawn bowls in the country, he hopes Boccia can follow a similar path. He believes a medal at the Para-Asian Games could significantly boost the sport’s visibility and encourage more athletes to take it up.

“A medal would be a significant milestone for Indian boccia at the Para Asian Games and would reflect the progress we have made in the sport. India’s international performances have improved in recent years.”

“I won gold at the World Boccia Challenger in Bahrain in 2024, becoming the first BC3 Indian athlete to win an international gold, followed by a silver in BC3 Pairs and a bronze in BC3 Individual at Cairo Challenger in 2026. A medal at the Para Asian Games would build on these achievements and help raise the profile of Boccia in India,” Sachin said.

THE PARALYMPIC DREAM

Sachin’s journey has been defined by adversity, resilience and determination to find new possibilities when life takes an unexpected turn. Despite the progress he has made, he remains entrenched in his expectations.

A medal at the Para-Asian Games would be a great achievement, but he believes the experience itself would be valuable if it helps him improve and bring more attention to Indian boccia. Sachin Chamaria has dreams of qualifying for the Paralympics. Courtesy: Sachin Chamaria Instagram

“I would be happy to know that I gave my best in both events and represented India with determination. Competing in the Para Asian Games is an important opportunity to test myself against some of the strongest athletes in Asia and gain further experience at the highest level.”

“I would also appreciate the opportunity to introduce Boccia to more people and show how access to the sport can open up new opportunities for people with disabilities,” said Sachin.

But there is a bigger dream on the horizon: the Paralympics.

For Sachin, the prospect of seeing India compete in Boccia at the Paralympic Games represents a significant milestone, both for his personal ambitions and for the future of the sport in the country. While a medal in Japan would be a memorable achievement, securing a trip to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics would have its own significance.

“A medal at the Para Asian Games would be a huge achievement, while Paralympic qualification would be a major milestone for Indian boccia.”

“My immediate focus is to compete in the BC3 singles and pairs events and give my best for India. At the same time, I want to contribute to the growth of the sport in the country and help create a pathway for more Indian athletes to compete at the highest level. To see India progress towards competing in the Paralympic Boccia would mean a lot to me,” said Sachin.

For a sport that still needs more visibility in India, Sachin’s presence at the Para-Asian Games offers an opportunity to change perceptions. A medal would boost that, but his ambitions run deeper than podium finishes.

He wants to help build a future where more Indian athletes discover Boccia, compete internationally and dream of making it to the Paralympics.

For Sachin Chamaria, the vocation may have come late. However, the opportunity to make history is very much alive.

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