India brings 5,000 years of heritage to Para Asian Games opening ceremony

The Indian contingent brought a glimpse of the country's 5,000-year-old heritage to the opening ceremony of the Para Asian Games on Sunday, with athletes wearing ceremonial blazers featuring motifs inspired by ancient Indian civilisation. More than 100 Indian athletes took part in the ceremony, led by Paralympic medallist sprinter Simran Sharma and top shuttler Pramod Bhagat, who carried the national flag as the contingent marched with the Tricolour.

The ceremonial blazers featured prints of seals from the Indus Valley, drawing on the ancient script and motifs of one of the world's oldest civilisations. “Team India walked out wearing more than just ceremonial dress -- they wore 5,000 years of civilisation. The Indian contingent’s ceremonial blazer is a tribute to our heritage,” the Paralympic Committee of India said. The blazers also featured SaptSindhu on the collar, representing the land of the seven rivers and the mighty Saraswati. The Tricolour was prominently displayed on the pocket.

India has sent a 281-member contingent to the Games, comprising 168 athletes -- 112 men and 56 women -- who will compete across 11 disciplines. The Games will conclude on October 24, with around 3,000 athletes from 45 nations competing under the motto "Imagine One Heart". India had its most successful Asian Para Games campaign in Hangzhou in 2023, finishing fifth in the medal standings with a record 111 medals, including 29 gold, 31 silver and 51 bronze.