Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel will lead the Indian contingent at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games, with the two Paralympic medallists named India’s flag bearers for the Opening Ceremony on October 18 in Nagoya, Japan.
The honour brings together two of India’s most accomplished para-athletes, with Bhagat and Patel having won eight Asian Para Games medals between them. Bhagat has won six medals at the continental event, including two gold and four bronze, while Patel has won two medals, a silver and a bronze.
PRAMOD BHAGAT FAVOURITE TO WIN GOLD
Bhagat, the reigning Tokyo Paralympic champion, heads into the Asian Para Games in strong form. The 37-year-old continued his dominance in para badminton earlier this year by winning a record sixth world title in the men’s SL3 category at the BWF Para World Championships.
Bhagat defeated Indonesia’s Muhammad Al Imran 21-12, 21-18 in the final to win his fourth consecutive singles gold at the championships. His six world titles in the category also made him the most decorated singles champion in world championships history across formats.
The achievement marked a significant return to the top for Bhagat, who had served an 18-month suspension for violating the Badminton World Federation’s anti-doping whereabouts clause. The suspension ruled him out of the Paris Paralympics, but he returned to competition in September and quickly rebuilt his form.
Since his return, Bhagat has won 10 gold medals across singles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles events in tournaments held in China, Nigeria, Australia and Japan.
The para badminton star has also been a consistent performer at the Asian Para Games, winning six medals between 2014 and 2023. He won gold in the men’s singles SL3 event at the 2018 edition and added another gold in men’s doubles at the 2022 Games, alongside four bronze medals.
Patel, meanwhile, will share the honour after establishing herself as one of India’s leading para table tennis players. The Paralympic silver medallist has won two Asian Para Games medals between 2018 and 2023, including a silver and a bronze.
The selection of the duo comes as India prepares for its campaign at the fifth Asian Para Games, which will be held from October 18 to 24.
“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,” Paralympic Committee of India president Devendra Jhajharia said.
“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.”
Patel said carrying the Tricolour at the Opening Ceremony would be a special moment in her career.
“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,” Patel said.
“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.”
The Paralympic Committee of India will formally see off the Indian contingent at a special send-off ceremony at ITC Maurya in New Delhi on October 8. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya will be the chief guest, while Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse will attend as the guest of honour.
As India begins its campaign in Nagoya, Bhagat and Patel will lead the contingent into the Opening Ceremony, carrying the Tricolour as two of the country’s most experienced and decorated para-athletes.
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