Satyanarayana said the athletes were in good spirits and eager to turn their preparation into results.
"We are targeting around 100 medals for India, and we believe our athletes have the ability and determination to achieve this. Para athletics will be a crucial part of our medal campaign. We are expecting to win six medals in athletics tomorrow, including two to three gold medals," he said.
"(Para high jumper) Nishad Kumar is also looking in good shape, and we are expecting him to deliver his personal best and potentially break the Games record. These are important opportunities for us to make a strong start to our campaign," said Satyanarayana about Kumar, a two-time Paralympics siler medallist.
Asian Paralympic Committee President H.E. Majid Rashed has shared warm words ahead of the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games Opening Ceremony, celebrating a historic milestone for the continent’s para-sport movement.
For the first time in Asian Para Games history, all 45 nations will be represented at the event, highlighting the growing reach, unity and strength of the Paralympic movement across Asia.
The landmark participation reflects the power of sport to bring nations together while providing para-athletes with a platform to showcase their talent, determination and resilience.
As the Games begin, Aichi-Nagoya 2026 promises to be a celebration of inclusion, sporting excellence and the unifying spirit of the Paralympic community.
The opening ceremony gets underway in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Sunday. The Indian contingent is expecting a strong performance at the Games, with para-athletics and para-badminton likely to play important roles in its medal ambitions.
Pramod Bhagat and Simran Sharma will represent India as flag-bearers during the ceremony. Their selection follows a decision by contingent officials to allow Bhavina Patel to concentrate on her recovery and preparations for a crucial quarterfinal match scheduled for Monday, October 19.
Bhavina, who won silver at the 2020 Paralympic Games, faces a demanding schedule, and the journey to and from the ceremony venue would take close to six hours. Officials concluded that the travel could affect her recovery ahead of competition.
The decision reflects the contingent’s focus on athlete welfare and performance. Stay tuned for live updates from the opening ceremony, the Indian team’s participation and the key developments shaping the country’s campaign in Japan.
Asian Para Games Opening Ceremony: A major sporting campaign begins for India on Sunday as the opening ceremony of the Para Asian Games 2026 takes place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The event brings together para-athletes from across Asia, with competitors looking to test themselves against the continent’s best and make their mark on the international stage.
India’s contingent will be led at the ceremony by flag-bearers Pramod Bhagat and Simran Sharma. The country will enter the competition hoping to secure a significant medal tally, with para-athletics and para-badminton identified as key areas for success.
One of the leading Indian athletes, Bhavina Patel, will focus on her upcoming quarterfinal match on Monday. The contingent decided to prioritise her rest and recovery because travelling to and from the ceremony venue would take nearly six hours.
With several prominent athletes in action, expectations will be high for India. Follow this live blog for ceremony updates, important announcements and the latest developments as the Games begin.
Asian Para Games Live: The Para Asian Games 2026 begin in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with athletes from across the continent preparing to compete for medals and national pride. As the opening ceremony gets underway on Sunday, India’s approach has highlighted an important priority: ensuring athletes are physically prepared for their events.
Pramod Bhagat and Simran Sharma will carry the Indian flag during the ceremony after officials decided to give Bhavina Patel additional time to rest before her quarterfinal match on October 19. Bhavina, a wheelchair athlete and 2020 Paralympic Games silver medallist, would have faced a journey of nearly six hours to and from the venue.
Satyanarayana, Head Coach of Para Athletics, said the decision was taken with her recovery and competition schedule in mind. The move underlines the importance of balancing ceremonial responsibilities with performance demands.
India is targeting a strong medal tally, especially in para-athletics and para-badminton. Follow our live coverage for the latest developments from the ceremony and the Indian contingent.
Asian Para Games 2026: The spotlight turns to India as the opening ceremony of the Para Asian Games 2026 takes place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Sunday. The Indian contingent will be represented by Pramod Bhagat and Simran Sharma, who have been selected as the country’s flag-bearers for the ceremony.
India will be aiming for a strong showing at the continental competition, with para-athletics and para-badminton expected to be important medal-winning sports. Bhagat and Bhavina Patel are among the prominent athletes carrying the country’s hopes into the Games.
Bhavina, a silver medallist at the 2020 Paralympic Games, will not take on the flag-bearing responsibility as the contingent has prioritised her preparation for her quarterfinal match on Monday, October 19. Officials considered the nearly six-hour journey to and from the ceremony venue too demanding ahead of the contest.
Follow our live blog for updates from the opening ceremony, the Indian team’s participation and the major stories surrounding the Games.
