Sport · India Bureau
India sends two boccia athletes to Para Asian Games 2026
The sports ministry has approved a 281-member contingent for the upcoming Para Asian Games, with boccia represented by two Indian athletes. The precision ball sport will feature Sachin Chamaria and Anjali Devi competing for India.
LSN India ·
India's contingent for the Para Asian Games 2026 includes 168 cleared athletes across multiple disciplines, with boccia accounting for two participants in the delegation. Sachin Chamaria and Anjali Devi have been selected to represent the nation in the precision-based sport.
Boccia is a competitive ball sport designed for athletes with severe physical disabilities, particularly those with cerebral palsy and other mobility impairments. The game shares similarities with bowls and pétanque, requiring players to throw leather balls as close as possible to a target ball known as the jack. It emphasizes skill, strategy, and precision rather than physical strength.
Matches are played on a rectangular court with clearly marked boundaries. Athletes can compete individually or in pairs and team formats. The sport accommodates various classifications based on disability severity, ensuring fair competition across different physical ability levels. Players use ramps or assistive devices if needed to deliver their balls.
Boccia has been a fixture at the Paralympic Games since 1984 and is increasingly gaining prominence across Asian Para sporting events. The sport's inclusion in major multi-sport competitions like the Para Asian Games provides Indian athletes with a significant platform to showcase their abilities and contribute to the nation's medal tally in adaptive sports.