Indian Para Athletes Set for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Send-Off Ceremony
Celebrating the Indian Para Contingent
On July 20, a grand Send-Off Ceremony was held in New Delhi for the 28-member Indian para contingent selected to compete at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, starting July 23.
This group of para athletes is part of the larger Indian Olympic Association (IOA) team, which includes both able-bodied and para athletes. The event marked the inaugural official function under the new leadership of Payal Kanodia, who has recently taken on the role of Chairperson of the Paralympic Committee of India, as stated in a press release.
Kanodia, who also leads the M3M Foundation, emphasized the PCI's dedication to enhancing India's para sports framework and providing more opportunities for para athletes to shine on the global stage.
The ceremony was attended by notable figures including Gaurav Gautam, Haryana's Sports Minister; Devendra Jhajharia, President of the Paralympic Committee of India; and Payal Kanodia herself, along with various officials, National Sports Federation Presidents, coaches, athletes, and media representatives.
Among the attendees were J P Singh, President of the Para Powerlifting Federation of India; Virender Dabbas, President of the Para Swimming Federation of India; JP Nautiyal, President of the Para Shooting Federation of India; and Aishwarya Mahajan, representing M3M Foundation.
All 28 para athletes, along with their coaches and support staff, were present, making for a fitting send-off as they prepared to depart for Glasgow.
The contingent will compete in five disciplines: para athletics (11 athletes), para powerlifting (7), para swimming (5), para track cycling (1), and women's wheelchair basketball (3x3) (4).
With a focus on surpassing India's previous medal tally at the Commonwealth Games, the contingent is determined to make a significant impact in Glasgow.
Over the last two decades, India's para sports movement has seen tremendous growth, with athletes consistently achieving remarkable results at the Paralympic Games, Asian Para Games, World Championships, and other major international events.
Since their debut in the Commonwealth Games in 2002, Indian para athletes have secured a total of seven medals: one gold, two silver, and four bronze, highlighting the nation's steady progress in para sports.
With this talented 28-member team, the Paralympic Committee of India is hopeful that they will not only build on past successes but also enhance India's reputation in the international para sports arena.
Payal Kanodia expressed her pride in beginning her tenure by honoring the athletes who will represent India at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. She noted their determination and resilience, which inspire many across the nation. Kanodia reiterated PCI's commitment, alongside M3M Foundation and partners, to foster a more inclusive para sports environment in India. She emphasized the importance of developing accessible sports infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, to ensure that aspiring para athletes can train and compete without obstacles.
Kanodia also highlighted M3M Foundation's dedication to athlete development through access to quality equipment, sports science, mental conditioning, and high-performance support systems. The foundation aims to invest in coaching and classifier development programs, recognizing that a robust support system is crucial for sustained success in sports. They are already assisting several para athletes and will continue to collaborate closely with them to help realize their full potential. By enhancing infrastructure and investing in the para sports ecosystem, they aspire to host more international para sporting events in the future. As the nation looks forward to the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, this is an opportunity to create a lasting legacy for Indian sports. Kanodia extended her best wishes to the Commonwealth Games contingent, expressing confidence that they would make the nation proud.
Devendra Jhajharia, President of the Paralympic Committee of India, remarked that every athlete in this contingent has earned the privilege of wearing the Indian jersey through years of dedication and hard work. They carry not only their dreams but also the hopes of the entire nation. He expressed confidence that this talented group would rise to the occasion in Glasgow and continue India's impressive journey in international para sports. Jhajharia wished all athletes and support staff the best for the Games.
The 28-member Indian para contingent is set to compete in five disciplines at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with 11 athletes in para athletics, 7 in para powerlifting, 5 in para swimming, 1 in para track cycling, and 4 in women's wheelchair basketball (3x3).
This contingent showcases India's expanding talent pool across various para sports disciplines and aims to improve upon the previous Commonwealth Games medal tally.
The ceremony also highlighted the strengthening partnership between the Paralympic Committee of India and M3M Foundation, focused on creating a more robust and sustainable para sports ecosystem in the country.
Through this collaboration, both organizations will work towards enhancing athlete development, bolstering grassroots initiatives, improving access to top-notch training and support systems, and raising awareness and opportunities for para athletes throughout India. This partnership reflects a mutual commitment to empowering athletes and establishing India as a prominent player in global para sports.
As the 28-member Indian para contingent departs as part of the Indian Olympic Association's Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games team, the nation stands united in wishing them success.
Inspired by the remarkable growth of Indian para sports and supported by a strong infrastructure, the athletes head to Glasgow with the belief that they can achieve their best-ever performance at the Commonwealth Games, surpassing India's previous para medal tally and further solidifying the country's position as a global leader in para sports.