India’s Para-Asian Games contingent represents 5000 years of heritage

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweets this picture and conveys his best wishes to the Indian contingent at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games 2026 on Sunday. Photo: X/@narendramodi via ANI

The Indian contingent brought a touch of the country’s rich heritage to the opening ceremony of the Para-Asian Games on Sunday (October 19, 2026) as athletes donned ceremonial blazers with motifs inspired by 5,000 years of civilization.

More than 100 Indian athletes participated in the ceremony, led by Paralympic medalist sprinter Simran Sharma and top shuttler Pramod Bhagat, who carried the national flag as the contingent marched in with the tricolor flying proudly.

Ceremonial blazers featured seal prints from the Indus Valley, drawing on ancient script and motifs from one of the world’s oldest civilizations.

“The Indian team came out in more than ceremonial wear – they wore 5,000 years of civilization. The ceremonial jacket of the Indian contingent is a tribute to our heritage,” said the Paralympic Committee of India.

The blazers also featured SaptSindha on the collar, honoring the land of seven rivers and the mighty Saraswati, while the tricolor was placed prominently on the pocket.

India has fielded a 281-member contingent that includes 168 athletes – 112 men and 56 women – competing in 11 disciplines.

The Games will end on October 24, with around 3,000 athletes from 45 countries competing under the slogan “Imagine One Heart”.

India enjoyed its most successful campaign at the 2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, finishing fifth in the medal tally with a record 111 medals – 29 gold, 31 silver and 51 bronze.

Published – 19 Oct 2026 03:40 IST