You have already won the journey of life, now, you also have to conquer the journey of medals: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya

PCI Hosts Grand Send-Off Ceremony for Team India Ahead of Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games

• Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Graces Ceremony as Chief Guest; Official Team India Jersey Unveiled
• India prepares for a strong campaign in Japan following its historic 111-medal performance at Hangzhou

Rakesh Thapliyal 

New Delhi, 8 October 2026: The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) organised a grand send-off ceremony for the Indian contingent ahead of the 5th Asian Para Games, Aichi-Nagoya 2026, at ITC Maurya, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, on Thursday. The ceremony brought together athletes, dignitaries, partners, coaches and support staff ahead of the continental multi-sport event, scheduled to take place in Japan from 18 to 24 October 2026.

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon’ble Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. A key highlight was the unveiling of the official Team India jersey, symbolising national pride, unity and the determination of India’s para-athletes.

The ceremony was attended by Shri Devendra Jhajharia, President, Paralympic Committee of India; Dr. Narendra Singh, President, Para Athletics Federation of India; Shri Satyanarayana, Chief Coach, India Para Athletics, PCI; Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson, Paralympic Committee of India; and Shri Jayawant Gundu Hamanawar, Secretary General, Paralympic Committee of India.

The Indian contingent will be led by Shri Rahul Swami, Chef de Mission, and Ms. Parul Mahajan Oberoi, Deputy Chef de Mission, who will oversee the delegation’s coordination and support during the Games.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya commended the athletes for their determination and the challenges they had overcome to represent India. He said, “It is not a small thing to challenge circumstances and move forward. Earning your family’s trust when society doubts whether you can succeed requires immense strength. You strengthen your belief, accept every challenge, move forward, set a goal, choose a sport, achieve success at the national level, and then participate in international competitions. You have already won the journey of life. Now, you also have to conquer the journey of medals. I welcome you all. I have complete faith in you.”

Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson, Paralympic Committee of India, wished the Indian contingent great success at Aichi-Nagoya 2026. She thanked the partners, coaches and all support staff for their dedication and contribution to the athletes’ preparations, acknowledging the collective effort behind Team India’s campaign.

India heads into the Games with a target of approximately 100 medals, reflecting confidence in the athletes’ preparations, competitive experience and ability to perform against Asia’s finest para-sporting talent.

At the previous Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China, India achieved its best-ever tally of 111 medals, including 29 gold, 31 silver and 51 bronze. The historic performance marked a significant milestone in Indian para-sport and provides a strong foundation for the upcoming campaign.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Devendra Jhajharia, President, Paralympic Committee of India, said, “Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel are exceptional champions whose achievements and resilience will inspire the entire Indian contingent. After our historic 111-medal performance at the previous Asian Para Games, I am confident that our athletes are well-prepared to deliver another outstanding performance and set new benchmarks at Aichi-Nagoya 2026.”

Paralympic gold medallist Pramod Bhagat and Paralympic silver medallist Bhavina Patel have been named India’s flag bearers for the Opening Ceremony. Their selection recognises their outstanding sporting achievements, resilience and contributions to the growth of para-sport in India.

Expressing confidence ahead of the Games, Pramod Bhagat said, “We are heading to Aichi-Nagoya with great expectations and confidence in our preparations. We have trained hard and are ready to give our best for India. I expect our para-badminton team to perform strongly and make a significant contribution to India’s overall medal tally.”

The send-off ceremony recognised the dedication, discipline and perseverance of India’s para-athletes while reaffirming the nation’s support for the contingent. It also acknowledged the contribution of national sports federations, partners, coaches and support staff in preparing athletes for international competition.

With the Games approaching, PCI reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the contingent and promoting sporting excellence. Team India will carry the hopes of the nation to Aichi-Nagoya, striving to deliver memorable performances and bring further glory to the Tricolour.

About the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI)

The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) is the national governing body for para-sports in India, dedicated to promoting and developing sporting opportunities for athletes with disabilities. PCI works to identify and nurture talent, support high-performance athletes, facilitate participation in international competitions and strengthen India’s position in the global Paralympic movement.