Nagoya, October 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Officials from the Embassy of India in Tokyo met members of the Indian contingent participating in the Asian Para Games in Japan, extending their support and acknowledging the athletes’ dedication to representing the country on the international stage.
The delegation comprised R. Madhu Sudan, Deputy Chief of Mission; Yashawant Dev Panwar, Counsellor (Science and Technology); Akshay, Attache; and Kayo Kanda, local staff member at the Embassy of India in Tokyo.
The interaction highlighted the importance of encouraging India’s para-athletes as they compete across various disciplines, showcasing their sporting excellence, resilience, determination and spirit. The visit by the embassy officials served as a morale boost for the contingent as it continued its campaign at the Games.
The engagement reflected the continued encouragement extended to Indian athletes competing internationally as they strive to deliver memorable performances and bring laurels to the country.
Around 3,000 athletes from 45 National Paralympic Committees are expected to compete across 18 sports at the Games. The event marks the fifth edition of the Asian Para Games and the first to be hosted by Japan.
The Union Sports Ministry approved a contingent of 168 athletes — 112 men and 56 women — across 11 sports for Aichi-Nagoya 2026. Boccia was added to the contingent at a later stage, following the initial approval of 166 athletes across 10 sports.
Para-badminton star Pramod Bhagat and para-athlete Simran Sharma will serve as India’s flag-bearers at the opening ceremony at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium.
Simran replaced para-table tennis player Bhavina Patel as flag-bearer to allow Patel adequate rest and recovery ahead of her quarter-final scheduled for October 19.
At the 2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, India secured a record 111 medals, comprising 29 gold, 31 silver and 51 bronze, to finish fifth in the standings. The tally surpassed the country’s previous record of 72 medals at the 2018 edition in Jakarta.
Para-athletics was India’s biggest medal contributor in Hangzhou, accounting for 55 medals, including 18 gold.
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