Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel to carry India’s flag at Aichi‑Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games
Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel will lead the Indian contingent at the Aichi‑Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games as flag bearers for the Opening Ceremony on October 18 in Nagoya, Japan. Both are Paralympic medallists and together have won eight Asian Para Games medals.
Bhagat has amassed six Asian Para Games medals — two gold and four bronze — while Patel has two, a silver and a bronze. India’s campaign at the fifth Asian Para Games is scheduled from October 18 to 24.
Bhagat, the reigning Tokyo Paralympic champion, won a record sixth world title in the men’s SL3 category at the BWF Para World Championships earlier this year. He beat Indonesia’s Muhammad Al Imran 21-12, 21-18 in the final to secure his fourth consecutive singles gold at the championships, a run that made him the most decorated singles champion in world championships history across formats.
The 37-year-old’s recent achievements followed an 18-month suspension for violating the Badminton World Federation’s anti-doping whereabouts clause that ruled him out of the Paris Paralympics. He returned to competition in September and, since his comeback, has won 10 gold medals across singles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles events in tournaments held in China, Nigeria, Australia and Japan.
Bhavina Patel, a Paralympic silver medallist, is one of India’s leading para table tennis players and won two Asian Para Games medals between 2018 and 2023, a silver and a bronze. Patel commented on the honour, saying: "It is a very proud moment for me to be chosen as India's flag bearer. When you carry the Tricolour, you realise that you are representing something much bigger than yourself," Patel said. "I am excited to walk into the Opening Ceremony with Pramod and lead our contingent. I hope all our athletes compete with confidence, enjoy the moment and give their very best for India."
Paralympic Committee of India president Devendra Jhajharia welcomed the choice, saying: "It is a matter of immense pride for us to have Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel lead the Indian contingent at the Opening Ceremony. Both are exceptional champions who have contributed immensely to the growth of Indian para sport," and adding, "Their journey, achievements and resilience make them fitting representatives of the Indian contingent, and I am confident they will inspire our athletes as they embark on this important campaign." The Paralympic Committee of India will formally see off the Indian contingent at a special send-off ceremony at ITC Maurya in New Delhi on October 8, with Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya as chief guest and Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse as guest of honour.
As India begins its campaign in Nagoya, Bhagat and Patel will lead the contingent into the Opening Ceremony, carrying the Tricolour as two of the country's most experienced and decorated para-athletes.