‘Carrying the tricolor is a different feeling’: Pramod Bhagat eyes gold at Para Asian Games

NEW DELHI: For a champion who has conquered the biggest stages in para badminton, the prospect of carrying the Indian flag as a flag bearer in the upcoming Para Asian Games is still an experience for Pramod Bhagat that stands apart from any medals and accolades.A gold medalist at the Tokyo Paralympics, Bhagat is gearing up for his fifth Asian Para Games and brings with him the experience of six medals, including two gold and four bronze. However, despite years of competing at the highest level, the responsibility of wearing the tricolor brought a new sense of excitement.Bhagat recalled watching the flag bearers lead the Indian contingent during his earlier appearances at the Continental Exhibition. That look left a lasting impression on him, and now that he’s preparing to take on the role himself, that feeling has taken on even more significance.Bhagat, who has already won a Paralympic gold, two Asian Games gold medals and a Padma Shri, has had some defining moments in his sporting journey. However, he believes that the honor of being the flag bearer cannot be compared to any of these achievements.“My expectation is gold, but it won’t be easy,” he said, underlining the ambition that drives him on despite his already impressive medal haul.For Bhagat, longevity at the highest level was built on the ability to adapt. Each year of the Asian Para Games brings a different set of challenges, with improving opponents, changing preparations and the demands of the sport becoming ever more intense.“When you go to the second or third Asian Para Games, there is a difference of four years. A lot changes in four years. I try to learn from the past and move forward. I try to do my best and I want to be successful,” he said.This approach helped Bhagat remain a key figure in the Indian parabadminton movement. He focuses not only on defending his reputation, but on finding ways to improve with each campaign. The goal remains gold, but the process involves learning from previous performances, understanding the competition and making the most of his preparation.Apart from his personal ambitions, Bhagat is equally encouraged by the growing strength of Indian para badminton. With the sport gaining more attention and Indian athletes making their presence felt at the international level, expectations have risen. According to him, the goal is to push the number of medals in the country even higher.“We want to win more than 10 medals in the Para-Asian Games,” said Bhagat, reflecting confidence in the Indian contingent.Optimism is supported by the broader upward trend in Indian para-sport performance. Pointing to the country’s growing medal tally, Bhagat noted that India had crossed the 100-medal mark in previous Asian Para Games. For him, the progress is proof of how sustained support, better facilities and greater visibility can translate into results on the pitch.He believes this transformation was particularly noticeable compared to the beginning of his career, when government aid and public recognition of para badminton was more limited.Bhagat praised the increasing involvement of the government and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking a personal interest in para badminton, which he said helped bring more recognition and publicity to the sport. This visibility in turn encouraged private organizations to come forward and support the athletes.“When you get good support and your equipment and training facilities improve, you perform well,” he said.Bhagat believes that support from both the government and the private sector has helped create a stronger ecosystem for para-athletes. Better equipment, improved training infrastructure and greater exposure have given players more opportunities to prepare and compete at the highest level. He says the growing number of medals reflects the difference such support can make.As India look to build on their successes at the continental level, Bhagat’s campaign has significance beyond the medals he hopes to win. He represents a generation of athletes who benefited from the changing sports environment and at the same time helped raise the profile of para badminton with their performances.But for the space shuttle veteran, the immediate task remains clear: prepare well, learn from the experience, and aim for gold. The flag honor added another dimension to his campaign and gave him a responsibility that went beyond his individual events.Bhagat knows that success will not come easily, but he is ready to take on the challenge. And when he leads the Indian contingent with the tricolor in hand, that moment will represent more than the achievements of the champion. It will reflect the journey of Indian Para Badminton, the progress of its athletes and the pride in representing the country.