Asian Para Games open in Japan; Pramod Bhagat, Simran Sharma carry India's flag
The fifth Asian Para Games began on Sunday in Aichi-Nagoya, with about 3,000 athletes from 45 countries taking part until October 24.
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The fifth edition of the Asian Para Games 2026 began on Sunday in Japan amid fanfare. Emperor Naruhito declared the Games officially open.
The opening ceremony was held at the Mizuho Park Athletics Stadium in Aichi-Nagoya. The Games will run until October 24, with about 3,000 athletes from 45 countries taking part. The motto of the Games is "Imagine One Heart".
The ceremony was on Sunday, but competition in some sports had begun earlier. On Friday, Japan won both the men's and women's matches in the preliminary round of wheelchair basketball. On Saturday, India's men's and women's goalball teams registered wins. The men's team beat Qatar and the women's team beat Thailand.
The Indian contingent drew attention in the Parade of Nations at the opening ceremony. Para-badminton player Pramod Bhagat and para-athlete Simran Sharma led the contingent as flag-bearers, carrying the tricolour. The ceremony was held at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya.
The Indian team's outfit also drew comment. The athletes and team members wore dark blue blazers with golden embroidery inspired by the Indus Valley civilisation. It carried glimpses of the famous Priest-King sculpture, the Dancing Girl figurine and ancient seals. The tricolour was embroidered near the blazer pocket, and "Saptasindhu" was mentioned on the collar.
The Indian contingent for the Games has 281 members. Of these, 168 are athletes, including 112 men and 56 women. They will represent India in 11 sports. The athletes' aim will be to improve on their showing at the previous edition and win medals across the para sports.
The flag-bearers were changed just before the opening. Pramod Bhagat and para-table tennis player Bhavina Patel had been chosen earlier. However, Bhavina Patel has her quarter-final match on October 19, and Simran Sharma was chosen in her place so that she could rest.
The Asian Para Games give para athletes from across Asia a chance to showcase their skills. Sports fans are now watching the performance of the Indian athletes closely.
