India’s Para Asian Games contingent gets warm send-off, Mandaviya launches new jersey

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Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Paralympic champion Pramod Bhagat interact at the send-off ceremony for the Indian contingent for the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games, in New Delhi on Thursday. Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) President Devendra Jhajharia and PCI and M3M Foundation Chairperson Payal Kanodia present. | Photo Credit: ANI

India's Para Asian Games contingent received a formal send-off on Thursday ahead of the continental showpiece in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya launching the new Team India jersey at a ceremony organised by the Paralympic Committee of India.

The ceremony began with the traditional lighting of the lamp and was attended by prominent para-athletes, including Paralympic medallists Simran Sharma, Preeti Pal and Kapil Parmar, besides para-archer Rakesh Kumar and para-powerlifter Ashok Kumar.

Para-badminton star Pramod Bhagat was named the flag bearer of the Indian contingent for the Games. PCI president Devendra Jhajharia, chairperson Payal Kanodia and head coach Satyanarayana were also present.

Mr. Mandaviya hailed the para-athletes for overcoming challenges and urged them to now focus on winning medals for the country.

"Para-athletes are those young people who have already won the battle of life. It is not a small thing to challenge nature and move ahead," Mr. Mandaviya said.

"You have already won the journey of life. But now, you also have to conquer the journey of medals."

Mr. Mandaviya said athletes were receiving the necessary support from the government, federations and the Indian Olympic Association.

"Today, our athletes, whether para-athletes or able-bodied athletes, have no shortage of support. From the government, from the federation, from the Olympic Association — whatever support is needed is available to them. The government stands firmly behind them," he said.

Drawing an analogy with the Mahabharata, Mr. Mandaviya urged the athletes to remain focused on their targets.

"We have to identify our target with passion, commitment and dedication. We have to be successful. We have to win," he said.

Head coach Satyanarayana expressed confidence in India's medal prospects, particularly in para-athletics, while acknowledging the difficult selection process after the quota was reduced from 130 to 60.

"We will get medals till 95. In athletics, the number of athletes in the contingent is 60. Not even one will be less. Keep this in mind. That is why we have conducted the selection process very well," he said.