Government Supports Indian Contingent for Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games
Government Support for Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games
The Indian contingent, comprising 168 members (112 men and 56 women), has received substantial support from the Government of India to ensure a successful performance at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games. This backing includes international competition exposure, domestic training, equipment provision, and overseas training opportunities, as detailed in a recent press release.
Athlete Composition and Financial Assistance
Among the athletes, 47 are part of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), 33 are Khelo India Athletes (KIAs), and 61 are making their debut. The financial support for the contingent has been primarily allocated through the Annual Calendar for Training and Competition (ACTC) and TOPS, with ₹80.22 crore provided under ACTC and an additional ₹18.34 crore invested through TOPS.
Rigorous Training and Preparation
To prepare athletes across 11 sports disciplines, National Coaching Camps (NCC) were organized at various centers. An international camp for the para-archery team took place at the Kurobe Archery Centre in Japan from September to October. Domestically, para-archers trained at the Sports Authority of India’s Regional Centre in Sonipat, while camps for para swimmers and para powerlifters were held in Gandhinagar during the same period.
Additionally, para-athletes participated in NCCs at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, SAI Sonipat, and the SAI Regional Centre in Bengaluru from September to October. Camps for para shooters were conducted at the Dr. Karni Singh shooting range, and blind football players trained in Kochi. Blind judo athletes also attended a camp at the Indian Para Judo Academy in Lucknow this October, while the cycling velodrome at SAI IG Stadium in New Delhi served as the training venue for para cycling.
Event Overview and India's Participation
India will compete in various sports at the Aichi-Nagoya Games, including para athletics, para-archery, para badminton, para table tennis, boccia, blind football, para cycling, blind judo, para powerlifting, para shooting, and para swimming.
The opening ceremony is set for October 18, with shuttler Pramod Bhagat and para table tennis player Bhavina Patel serving as India's flagbearers. Medal events will take place from October 19 to 24.