Badminton Star Bhagat, Sprinter Sharma Carry India's Flag At Asian Para Games

India's para-athletes made their entrance at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium during the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games, with badminton player Pramod Bhagat and sprinter Simran Sharma jointly leading the Indian contingent as flag-bearers.

The selection of Bhagat and Sharma underscored their standing within India's para-sports community. Bhagat has established himself as one of the country's leading badminton players on the international circuit, while Sharma has made her mark as a competitive force in sprint events at the Asian level.

The opening ceremony at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium marked the formal commencement of the biennial Games, one of Asia's premier multi-sport events for para-athletes. The ceremony brought together athletes from across the region to compete across various disciplines including badminton, athletics, and other sports.

India's participation at the Aichi-Nagoya Games represents a significant platform for the country's para-athletes to showcase their capabilities and compete at the highest regional levels. The Games provide an opportunity for athletes to qualify for and prepare for subsequent international competitions, including the Paralympic Games.

Photo: Paloma Mizuho Stadium (Mizuho Athletic Stadium) in Nagoya during the 2026 Asian Games, September 2026. Aspere via Wikimedia Commons (CC0).