The fifth Asian Para Games began in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Sunday. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi welcomed officials and para athletes from all continent’s.
She praised the athletes’ determination and resilience, acknowledged the support of their families and teams, and expressed hope that the seven-day competition, featuring 18 sports until October 24, would inspire people and showcase the potential of para sports.
“Today, the fifth Asian Para Games (2026 Aichi-Nagoya), Asia’s largest para-sports event held once every four years, will commence. This marks the first time the Asian Para Games will be hosted in Japan. I extend my deepest gratitude to all those who have dedicated their efforts to preparing for this event. I warmly welcome the many athletes and officials visiting Japan from countries and regions across Asia,” Takaichi wrote in a post on X.
Around 3,000 athletes from 45 National Paralympic Committees will compete across 18 sports, with the Games running until October 24.
India’s contingent has 281 members, made up of 168 athletes, 98 team officials and support staff, and 15 contingent staff. That is much smaller than at Hangzhou in 2023, when India fielded 303 athletes. Strict quotas and the absence of some disciplines explain the drop. In para athletics, India’s numbers fell from 123 to 62.
Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel were named India’s flag bearers for the opening ceremony. Together, the duo has won eight Asian Para Games medals.