India’s Para Asian Games team dons blazers inspired by 5,000 years of civilisation

India’s contingent paraded at the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games in Nagoya on October 19, 2026, wearing ceremonial blazers that referenced 5,000 years of civilisation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted a picture conveying his best wishes to the Indian contingent. 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. The Paralympic Committee of India said: "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 ceremonial blazers incorporated prints of seals from the Indus Valley, drawing on the ancient script and motifs of one of the world’s oldest civilisations. Designers added SaptSindhu on the collar to honour the land of the seven rivers and the mighty Saraswati, and positioned the Tricolour prominently 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 Indian delegation’s parade at the opening ceremony featured the Tricolour prominently as it entered the stadium.

The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games are scheduled to conclude on October 24, with around 3,000 athletes from 45 nations taking part under the motto "Imagine One Heart." The event brings together continental para-sport competitors for nearly a week of competition.

India’s most successful Asian Para Games campaign came in Hangzhou in 2023, when the country finished fifth in the medal standings with a total of 111 medals: 29 gold, 31 silver and 51 bronze.

India’s athletes will continue to compete across their 11 disciplines through the remainder of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games, which end on October 24.