Celebrating Indian Para-Athletes: Acknowledging Achievements at Asian Para Games 2026
Honoring Para-Athletes in Gandhinagar
Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], October 28: The Sports Authority of India (SAI) at its Regional Centre in Gandhinagar held a special ceremony to celebrate the achievements of Indian para-athletes who excelled at the Asian Para Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. This event recognized not only the athletes' remarkable performances but also the vital roles played by their coaches and support teams.
India secured a total of 114 medals during the Games, with athletes from the NCOE Gandhinagar contributing 16 of those medals. This success is attributed to the athletes' relentless efforts and the comprehensive coaching and training support provided at the center, as stated in an official release.
Among the standout performers, Tejalben Amraji Damor earned a silver medal in the Women’s 400m T12 and a bronze in the Women’s 200m T12. Prachi Pandey, representing NCOE Gandhinagar and Khelo India, claimed bronze in the Women’s Singles Class 6 para table tennis event. Shubham Wadhwa also made his mark by winning bronze in both the Men’s Doubles MD4 and Mixed Doubles XD7 para table tennis categories. Additionally, former NCOE athlete Nimisha secured silver in the T46 Long Jump, while Shailesh Kumar achieved gold in High Jump and bronze in Long Jump.
The athletes who medaled, along with other participants from the NCOE, were presented with bouquets in recognition of their accomplishments. The ceremony also highlighted the essential contributions of coaches, support staff, and families in the athletes' preparations and successes on the international stage.
Prachi Pandey expressed her heartfelt thanks for the training and facilities provided by SAI. She emphasized that beyond sport-specific coaching, athletes benefit from fitness training, sports psychology, mental conditioning, yoga, and meditation, all of which enhance their overall development. Prachi acknowledged the support from SAI officials and the entire team, expressing optimism that improved facilities and ongoing training would lead to even greater achievements for Indian athletes globally.
Shubham Wadhwa shared his inspiring journey, recounting the challenges he faced returning to sports after a motorcycle accident in 2015. With the unwavering support of his family, coaches, and SAI, he persevered towards his goals. He proudly mentioned winning two gold medals for India at his first Asian Para Games and expressed gratitude to SAI, the Ministry of Sports, and his support team. Shubham's aspirations include winning a medal at the upcoming World Championships and excelling at the Commonwealth Games 2030 and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
Tejalben Amraji Damor acknowledged the significant role of SAI and her coach, Nitin Chaudhary, in her athletic journey. She credited the training and facilities at SAI for enhancing her performance and thanked her coach, the SAI team, and her family for their unwavering support. Tejalben also praised the initiatives to promote sports and prepare Gujarat for hosting the Commonwealth Games 2030, expressing hope for India to reach new heights in the global sports arena.
Prashant Singh, Regional Director of SAI Regional Centre Gandhinagar, stated, “Our focus is on providing athletes with top-notch coaching, facilities, nutrition, and sports science support to help them realize their full potential. These accomplishments are a testament to their hard work, the dedication of their coaches, and the collective efforts of our support staff. We are committed to enhancing this support as they gear up for future international competitions.”
The event was graced by Prashant Singh, Regional Director; Bibhubhushan, Deputy Director of SAI NCOE Ahmedabad; and Smt. Ishpreet Kaur, Assistant Director of SAI Regional Centre Gandhinagar. The officials congratulated the athletes and coaches, commending their contributions to para-sports.