Paralympic champions Pramod Bhagat, Bhavina Patel to lead India as flag bearers at Asian Para Games

Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel NEW DELHI: After a successful campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games where India finished fourth in the medal tally with 85 medals, including 21 golds, the country’s para-athletes will look to carry the momentum into the Asian Para Games.Paralympic champions Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel have been selected as India’s flag bearers for the opening ceremony of the Asian Para Games to be held from October 18 to 24 in Nagoya, Japan.One of India’s most decorated para badminton players, Bhagat has won six medals at the Asian Para Games between 2014 and 2023, including two gold and four bronze. Patel, meanwhile, is among India’s leading para table tennis players and has won two medals at the 2018-2023 Asian Para Games – a silver and a bronze.

“A very proud moment”

Patel said being chosen to carry the tricolor was a matter of immense pride and hoped the honor would inspire the Indian contingent.“It is a very proud moment for me to be selected as India’s flag bearer,” Patel said in a release.“When you wear the tricolor, you realize that you represent something much bigger than yourself. I am excited to enter the opening ceremony with Pramod and lead our contingent. I hope that all our athletes will compete with confidence, enjoy the moment and give their best for India.”The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) will formally send the Indian contingent at a special ceremony on 8 October. Minister of Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya will attend as the chief guest, while Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse will be the guest of honour.

“Eligible representatives of the Indian contingent”

PCI president Devendra Jhajharia said the achievements and resilience of Bhagat and Patel made them the ideal choice to lead India in continental para sports.“It is a matter of immense pride for us that Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel are leading the Indian contingent at the opening ceremony,” Jhajharia said.“Both are exceptional champions who have contributed immensely to the growth of Indian Para sports. Their journey, achievements and resilience make them fitting representatives of the Indian contingent and I am confident that they will inspire our athletes as they embark on this important campaign.”The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games will bring together para-athletes from across Asia as India looks to build on its growing success at major international competitions.