Sports
oi-Gaurav Sharma
The fifth edition Asian Para Games commenced in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Sunday, with para-athletes from across the continent set to compete in a week-long event. India has sent a 281-member contingent, including 168 athletes, for the October 18 to 24 event.
Approximately 3,000 athletes from 45 countries will participate in the Games, which are being held under the “Imagine One Heart” theme.
The fifth Asian Para Games started in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from October 18-24, with approximately 3,000 athletes from 45 nations. India’s contingent of 281 members, including 168 athletes competing in 11 disciplines, had Pramod Bhagat and Simran Sharma as flag bearers.
India’s contingent participated in the opening ceremony, wearing deep blue blazers with golden motifs inspired by the Indus Valley Civilisation. The motifs also included images of the famous Priest-King sculpture, Dancing Girl figurine and ancient seals. The blazers also had the Indian Tricolour on the pocket and a collar inspired by SaptSindhu, the land of the seven rivers.
Pramod Bhagat of para-badminton and Simran Sharma of para-sprinting were the flag bearers of the Indian contingent at the ceremony.
The Indian team consist of 112 male and 56 female athletes, who will compete in 11 disciplines. The team will vie for glory across these events in the seven-day competition.
The flag bearer selection was changed before the opening ceremony, with Simran Sharma replacing para-table tennis player Bhavina Patel.
The decision was made so that Patel gets a chance to rest before her quarter-final match on Monday, October 19, which is to be held nearly six hours away from where the opening ceremony was held. Concerns had been raised over the short time before her wheelchair match that she would have only had to travel almost six hours there and back.
Satyanarayana, head coach of para-athletics, said the management considered Patel’s competition schedule and the effort it would take to get to the venue and before making the change. He pointed out the main concern was to make sure she got a good rest and was prepared for the important match.
Bhagat and Sharma then took up the task of leading the Indian contingent at the opening ceremony.
