Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended his best wishes to Indian athletes competing at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, praising their determination and dedication.
As the Asian Para Games 2026 begin in Aichi-Nagoya, conveying my best wishes to the Indian contingent.
India is immensely proud of our phenomenal para-athletes. Their grit, dedication and indomitable spirit inspire 140 crore Indians.
May they compete with confidence and give their very best.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 18, 2026
Posting on X, Modi wrote, “As the Asian Para Games 2026 begin in Aichi-Nagoya, conveying my best wishes to the Indian contingent. India is immensely proud of our phenomenal para-athletes. Their grit, dedication and indomitable spirit inspire 140 crore Indians. May they compete with confidence and give their very best.”
India has approved a 281-member contingent for the October 18-24 event, including 168 athletes, 98 team officials and support staff, and 15 contingent staff. The athletes, comprising 112 men and 56 women, will compete across 11 disciplines.
This year’s contingent is smaller than the 303 athletes India sent to Hangzhou, China, in 2023. The reduction follows the absence of certain sports, including blind chess, para-rowing and para-canoeing, along with strict participation quotas. India’s para-athletics contingent has decreased from 123 athletes to 62.
Shuttler Pramod Bhagat and sprinter Simran Sharma served as India’s flag-bearers during Sunday’s opening ceremony at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya.
India enters the competition after securing a record 111 medals in Hangzhou in 2023, including 29 gold, 31 silver and 51 bronze.
