Paralympic champions Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel have been named India's flag bearers for the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games, scheduled for 18 October 2026 in Nagoya, Japan. The duo, who together hold eight Asian Para Games medals, will lead the Indian contingent as the country begins its campaign at the 5th Asian Para Games, running from 18 to 24 October 2026.

The Athletes Chosen to Lead

Pramod Bhagat, widely regarded as one of India's most decorated para badminton players, has amassed six Asian Para Games medals across three editions between 2014 and 2023, including two gold and four bronze. Bhavina Patel, a leading name in Indian para table tennis, has claimed two Asian Para Games medals — one silver and one bronze — between 2018 and 2023.

Their selection to jointly carry the Tricolour is the first time a para badminton player and a para table tennis player have shared the flag-bearing honour at the Asian Para Games for India, reflecting the breadth of the country's growth in para sport.

Bhavina Patel on the Honour

Speaking about her selection, Bhavina Patel said: 'It is a very proud moment for me to be chosen as India's flag bearer. When you carry the Tricolour, you realise that you are representing something much bigger than yourself. I am excited to walk into the Opening Ceremony with Pramod and lead our contingent. I hope all our athletes compete with confidence, enjoy the moment and give their very best for India.'

Her words underscore what the flag-bearing role means beyond ceremony — a call to arms for the broader Indian para-sport contingent heading into what promises to be a competitive Games.

PCI President on the Selection

Devendra Jhajharia, President of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), praised the choice, stating: 'It is a matter of immense pride for us to have Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel lead the Indian contingent at the Opening Ceremony. Both are exceptional champions who have contributed immensely to the growth of Indian para sport. Their journey, achievements and resilience make them fitting representatives of the Indian contingent, and I am confident they will inspire our athletes as they embark on this important campaign.'

Jhajharia himself is a Paralympic legend, having won gold in javelin throw at multiple Games — lending added weight to his endorsement of the duo.

Send-Off Ceremony and Government Backing

The Paralympic Committee of India will formally send off the Indian contingent at a dedicated ceremony on Thursday, 9 October 2026. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, will attend as Chief Guest, with Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, serving as Guest of Honour — a signal of the Centre's growing institutional support for para-athletics.

This comes amid India's broader push to raise its profile in para sport following a record-breaking performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where the Indian contingent finished with its best-ever medal haul.

India's Aims at Aichi-Nagoya 2026

The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games will bring together para-athletes from across Asia, and India will be looking to convert its domestic development pipeline into a strong continental showing. With Bhagat and Patel setting the tone at the opening ceremony, the contingent heads into the Games with experienced, proven leadership at its front.