India Eyes Para Asian Games Glory as Athlete Numbers Fall Nearly 45%

India will aim to build on its record-breaking performance at the 2023 Asian Para Games despite fielding a much smaller contingent at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Games, which begin on Sunday. Selection controversies in para-shooting and para-cycling have added to the challenges facing the Indian team.

India finished fifth in Hangzhou with a record 111 medals - 29 gold, 31 silver and 51 bronze. This time, around 168 athletes across 11 disciplines will represent the country, compared with 303 in China. The reduction is largely due to tighter participation quotas and changes to the sporting programme, including the absence of blind chess, para-rowing and para-canoeing. In para-athletics, India's contingent has nearly halved from 123 to 62.

Sumit Antil, the Paralympic champion and world-record holder in the F64 javelin throw, will lead India's medal hopes alongside high jumper Nishad Kumar, sprinter Preeti Pal and club thrower Dharambir Singh.

In archery, Sheetal Devi, who won two gold medals in Hangzhou and has since claimed an individual world title, will aim to defend her individual and mixed-team crowns. Paralympic champion Harvinder Singh and world champion Toman Kumar will strengthen India's challenge.

Para-badminton will also offer significant medal opportunities, with former champion Pramod Bhagat, Suhas L Y and Paris Paralympics champion Nitesh Kumar among the leading contenders. Shooting champion Avani Lekhara and table tennis player Bhavina Patel will also be key to India's campaign.

However, selection controversies have clouded preparations. Around 150 para-shooters have sought an independent inquiry into alleged financial irregularities, extortion and violations of selection guidelines. Paralympic Committee of India president Devendra Jhajharia has rejected the allegations, maintaining that selections were based on merit.

Para-cycling has faced a separate dispute, with the ministry clearing only Arshad Shaik despite a joint selection committee recommending six cyclists. The authorities maintained that selection depended on prescribed performance benchmarks.

With fewer athletes and uncertainty surrounding selections, India will rely on its established champions and emerging talent to deliver strong performances and remain competitive in the overall standings.