Sachin Chamaria to Compete in Boccia at Aichi-Nagoya Para Asian Games 2026
Indian Boccia Star Set for Para Asian Games
New Delhi, October 16: Indian Boccia athlete Sachin Chamaria has received the green light from the Sports Ministry to represent India in both the BC3 Individual and Pairs events at the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Para Asian Games 2026, which kick off on October 18.
In 2008, a severe spinal cord injury left Sachin paralyzed in all four limbs, drastically altering his life. He discovered Boccia in 2021, which reignited his passion for competitive sports and set him on a new path, as stated in a recent press release.
Since then, he has achieved remarkable success, becoming a six-time consecutive National Gold Medallist and a strong advocate for disability inclusion, striving to raise awareness about the potential sports hold for individuals with disabilities.
“I am thankful to the Sports Ministry and everyone involved in making it possible for me to represent India at the Para Asian Games. Wearing the India jersey is a significant responsibility that I cherish, and I will strive to excel in both events. I hope this opportunity elevates the profile of Boccia and inspires more athletes with disabilities to engage in sports,” expressed Sachin Chamaria, an International Para Athlete, Entrepreneur, and Disability Inclusion Advocate.
At the World Boccia Challenger 2026 held in Cairo, Sachin secured a silver medal in BC3 Pairs alongside Sarita Dwivedi and a bronze in the BC3 Individual category. His international accolades also include a gold medal at the World Boccia Challenger in Bahrain in 2024, marking him as the first Indian male BC3 athlete to achieve international gold in this sport, along with a silver in the individual event and a bronze in pairs at the Cairo Challenger in 2024.
Currently ranked 19th globally, Sachin holds the top world ranking among Indian Boccia players. His accomplishments have earned him the PCI Inspirational Sportsperson of the Year award in 2023 and the Indian Achiever's Award in 2024. Through his sporting journey and advocacy, he aims to reshape perceptions surrounding disability and emphasize the necessity of access and equal opportunities.
Boccia is a precision sport where athletes aim to roll red or blue balls as close as possible to a white target ball, known as the jack. In the BC3 category, athletes with significant motor impairments utilize assistive devices, including a ramp, with the aid of a ramp operator. The athlete is responsible for strategizing and determining the placement of each shot.
As he gears up for the Games, Sachin hopes his involvement will enhance the visibility of Boccia in India. Expanding access to appropriate facilities, equipment, coaching, and competitions will be crucial for enabling more athletes to discover and excel in the sport.
The Indian team at the 5th Para Asian Games (Aichi-Nagoya 2026) will comprise 113 officials, including coaches, support staff, a medical team, and representatives from the national Paralympic Committee. The total size of the contingent has now grown to 281 following recent approvals.