The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) on Thursday, 8 October 2026 hosted a grand send-off ceremony for the Indian contingent ahead of the 5th Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya urging the athletes to surpass their historic medal haul from the previous edition. The official Team India jersey for the Games was also unveiled at the event, held at ITC Maurya in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.

The Send-Off Ceremony

The gathering at ITC Maurya brought together athletes, coaches, support staff, dignitaries and partners to mark the team's departure for Japan. The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games are scheduled from 18 to 24 October 2026, and India will be among the most closely watched contingents given their dominant showing at the previous edition.

Speaking as the chief guest, Minister Mandaviya paid tribute to the para-athletes' resilience and their path to international competition. '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,' he said.

He added: '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.'

India's Target and Historic Hangzhou Performance

India enters the Aichi-Nagoya Games with a target of around 100 medals. At the previous edition in Hangzhou, the contingent delivered its best-ever Asian Para Games performance, amassing 111 medals — 29 gold, 31 silver, and 51 bronze — a milestone that fundamentally repositioned India as a para-sport powerhouse in Asia.

PCI president Devendra Jhajharia said he was confident the athletes would set new benchmarks in Japan. '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,' Jhajharia said.

Flag-Bearers and Team Leadership

Paralympic gold medallist Pramod Bhagat and Paralympic silver medallist Bhavina Patel have been named India's flag-bearers for the opening ceremony. Bhagat expressed confidence in the team's preparations and backed the para-badminton unit to be a key contributor. '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,' he said.

The contingent will be led by Chef de Mission Rahul Swami and Deputy Chef de Mission Parul Mahajan Oberoi. PCI chairperson Payal Kanodia also addressed the gathering, acknowledging the contributions of coaches, partners and support staff in readying the athletes for the continental event.

Officials and Stakeholders Present

The ceremony was also attended by Para Athletics Federation of India president Narendra Singh, India Para Athletics chief coach Satyanarayana, PCI secretary general Jayawant Gundu Hamanawar, and other officials, reflecting the institutional depth behind India's growing para-sport ecosystem.

With preparations complete and morale high, all eyes now turn to 18 October when India's para-athletes begin their campaign in Aichi-Nagoya — and the question is whether they can match, or even eclipse, the landmark 111-medal tally from Hangzhou.