Prachi Pandey Makes History with Bronze Medal at Asian Para Games 2026

Historic Achievement for Indian Para Table Tennis

Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], October 20: Prachi Pandey, a Khelo India athlete training at the Sports Authority of India's National Centre of Excellence (SAI NCoE) in Gandhinagar, has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the Bronze Medal in Women's Singles Class 6 at the Asian Para Games 2026 held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

Reflecting on her success, Prachi expressed, “Securing a medal for India at my inaugural Asian Para Games is a dream realized and a moment of immense pride. My transition from a software engineer to standing on the podium has been filled with challenges, sacrifices, and unwavering determination. I owe my gratitude to the Sports Authority of India, the Khelo India initiative, and SAI NCoE Gandhinagar for their ongoing support, excellent training facilities, and international exposure that have propelled me to this achievement. I also extend my thanks to my coaches, the sports science team, and everyone who has supported me throughout this journey. This medal symbolizes our collective efforts and inspires me to strive for even greater accomplishments for my country.”

At 33 years old and ranked World No. 17, Prachi made her debut at these prestigious continental Games, marking India's first medal in this event, a significant achievement for Indian Para Table Tennis and a proud addition to the nation's para sports history, as noted in a release from SAI Media.

During her impressive campaign, Prachi advanced to the semifinals, where she faced Iraq's World No. 5 Najlah Al-Dayyeni, the reigning Paralympic and Asian Para Games champion. Her podium finish against such a competitive international field highlights her rising profile on the global stage and the years of dedicated preparation she has undertaken.

Originating from Uttar Pradesh, Prachi's path to international sporting success is a remarkable tale of determination and resilience. An M.Tech graduate from Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh, she worked as a full-stack software developer from 2020 to 2023 before committing to Para Table Tennis full-time. Despite the challenges of a progressive neurological condition, she has firmly established herself among India's top para paddlers.

Prachi has had a stellar domestic career, clinching national titles and maintaining an impressive record in Indian Para Table Tennis. She won gold medals at the National Para Table Tennis Championships in both 2022 and 2023, and she triumphed at the inaugural Khelo India Para Games in 2023, repeating her success in the 2025 edition.

Her international career has also been noteworthy. Since earning her first International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) medal at the 2023 Brazilian Para Open, Prachi has amassed 12 medals in ITTF ranking tournaments, including four silver and eight bronze medals. Her recent accolades include a silver at the 2026 ITTF World Para Future Gold Coast and bronze medals at the 2026 ITTF World Para Future Nakhon Ratchasima, the 2025 ITTF World Para Challenger Kaohsiung, and the 2025 ITTF World Para Future Costa Brava.

A key factor in Prachi's ascent has been the structured high-performance training and institutional support provided through the Khelo India programme and SAI NCoE Gandhinagar, where she has been involved since June 2023.

SAI NCoE Gandhinagar, recognized as the Nodal Centre for Para Sports, has been enhancing its high-performance ecosystem for para athletes through specialized coaching, sports science interventions, international competition exposure, and comprehensive training facilities. Prachi follows a rigorous training regimen that includes three daily sessions, supported by a multidisciplinary team offering strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, mental conditioning, rehabilitation, and recovery services.

To bolster her international competitiveness, SAI NCoE Gandhinagar has provided three international exposure opportunities, allowing her to gain valuable match experience against top international players. Her preparation has also been supported under the Annual Calendar for Training and Competition (ACTC), with financial backing of approximately Rs 26.86 lakh during the Asian Para Games 2026 cycle, in addition to the residential training facilities and comprehensive support available at the Centre.

Prachi's historic bronze medal is also a significant achievement for SAI Regional Centre Gandhinagar, which is dedicated to developing NCoE Gandhinagar as a leading national training hub for para sports. With specialized training programs across six para disciplines and a growing focus on sports science, international exposure, and athlete-centric support, the Centre continues to enhance its contribution to the development of para sports in India.

This achievement highlights the effectiveness of the Khelo India initiative and the Sports Authority of India's ongoing efforts to create a comprehensive high-performance ecosystem, where promising athletes receive the essential technical, scientific, and institutional support needed to compete successfully on the international stage.

From a career in technology to making history on the Asian Para Games podium, Prachi Pandey's extraordinary journey serves as an inspiring testament to perseverance, sporting excellence, and the transformative power of sustained athlete development.