Para Asian Games 2026: Pramod Bhagat & Bhavina Patel Set To Be India's Flag Bearers At Aichi Nagoya

New Delhi, Oct 7: Paralympic champions Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel will carry the Indian flag at the Opening Ceremony of the Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan, as the country's para-athletes prepare for another major continental campaign.

The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games will be held from October 18 to 24, bringing together leading para-athletes from across Asia. Bhagat and Patel, both accomplished champions in their respective disciplines, have been chosen to lead the Indian contingent at the opening ceremony.

Bhagat is among India's most successful para-badminton players and has collected six Asian Para Games medals between 2014 and 2023. His tally includes two gold and four bronze medals, underlining his remarkable consistency on the continental stage.

Patel, meanwhile, has established herself as one of India's leading para table tennis players. She has won two Asian Para Games medals during the 2018 and 2023 editions, securing one silver and one bronze.

Calling the honour a proud moment, Patel said carrying the Tricolour was a reminder that athletes represented something larger than themselves.

"It is a very proud moment for me to be chosen as India's flag bearer," Patel said. "When you carry the Tricolour, you realise that you are representing something much bigger than yourself."

She added that she was looking forward to entering the Opening Ceremony alongside Bhagat and hoped the Indian athletes would compete with confidence while giving their best for the country.

The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) will formally send off the Indian contingent at a special ceremony on October 8. Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya will attend as the chief guest, while Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse will be the Guest of Honour.

PCI president Devendra Jhajharia said Bhagat and Patel were fitting choices to lead the contingent, praising their achievements, resilience and contribution to the growth of Indian para-sport.

India will look to build on its rising success at major international competitions when the Asian Para Games begin in Nagoya.