Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel stepped onto the flag‑bearing podium, clutching the tricolour as India prepared to rally at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya.
Bhagat, a six‑time Asian Para Games medalist with two golds, has dominated the para‑badminton scene for nearly a decade. Patel, meanwhile, has carved a niche in para‑table tennis, grabbing a silver in 2018 and a bronze in 2023. Their combined tally of eight medals underscores why PCI handpicked them.
The selection, announced by PCI president Devendra Jhajharia, was more than a symbolic gesture; it was a strategic move to inspire athletes across disciplines. "Their resilience and achievements make them perfect representatives," Jhajharia told reporters, his tone resonant with pride.
Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya will attend the October 8 send‑off, reinforcing the government’s commitment to para sport. The ceremony, slated to launch the Games on October 18, highlights the high stakes: India aims to build on its 85‑medal haul from the last Asian Games.
With the flag in hand, Bhagat and Patel will lead the contingent into the opening ceremony, a moment that could set the tone for a campaign that could see India climb the medal table. The next challenge? A packed slate of events across badminton, table tennis, athletics, and more, starting on October 18. The world watches, the athletes breathe, and the flag flutters – the stage is set for a performance that promises drama, grit, and triumph.