Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, congratulated Shri Boje Marbom on being selected to represent India at the 5th Asian Para Games Aichi–Nagoya 2026 in Japan, extending his best wishes for outstanding success at the international competition.

Context

In his post, CM Khandu wrote: 'Heartiest congratulations to Shri Boje Marbom on being selected to represent India at the 5th Asian Para Games Aichi–Nagoya 2026 in Japan.' He added that he extends his 'best wishes for outstanding success at the Games' and expressed hope that Marbom would 'continue to shine on the international stage and bring glory to India and Arunachal Pradesh.'

Boje Marbom is among the para athletes from Arunachal Pradesh — India's northeasternmost state — to have earned selection for a major international para-sporting event. His selection marks a notable moment for the state's growing sports ecosystem.

Policy Backdrop

The Asian Para Games is a quadrennial multi-sport competition for athletes with disabilities, organised by the Asian Paralympic Committee. The fifth edition is scheduled to be held in Aichi–Nagoya, Japan, a region with prior experience hosting international sporting events.

At the fourth Asian Para Games held in Hangzhou, China in October 2023, India fielded a contingent of more than 300 athletes, reflecting the country's growing investment in para sport. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has expanded the Khelo India and Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) to include para athletes since 2018, providing structured training and financial support pathways.

Northeastern states, including Arunachal Pradesh, have been specifically encouraged under central sports policy frameworks to identify and nurture talent for national and international competitions, as part of broader inclusion and regional development goals.

Stakeholders and Impact

For Arunachal Pradesh, which borders China, Myanmar, and Bhutan and is home to diverse indigenous tribal communities, Marbom's selection carries symbolic weight beyond sport. It signals that the state's para-sports infrastructure and talent identification systems are producing athletes capable of competing at the highest levels in Asia.

State sports bodies and para-athlete support networks across the Northeast stand to benefit from the visibility that an Asian Para Games appearance brings. Such selections can catalyse increased funding and institutional attention toward disability sport in the region.

What's Next

The final Indian team composition for the 2026 Asian Para Games is expected to be announced closer to the event, with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Paralympic Committee of India coordinating athlete preparation. Any state government support measures — including training grants or facility upgrades — for Arunachal Pradesh's contingent will be closely watched in the months ahead.

If Boje Marbom performs strongly in Aichi–Nagoya, it could open the door for greater state investment in para sports and position Arunachal Pradesh as a consistent contributor to India's para-sport medal ambitions on the Asian stage.