SAI Gandhinagar Celebrates Achievements of Para-Athletes at Asian Para Games 2026
SAI Gandhinagar Hosts Felicitation Ceremony
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) at its Regional Centre in Gandhinagar recently held a ceremony to honor Indian para-athletes who excelled at the Asian Para Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. This event celebrated the athletes' commitment, resilience, and outstanding performances, as well as acknowledging the vital roles played by their coaches and support teams. India secured a total of 114 medals at the Games, with athletes linked to the NCOE Gandhinagar contributing 16 medals. Their success is attributed to the athletes' dedication and the comprehensive coaching and training support provided at the center.
Highlighting Key Athlete Achievements
Among the notable achievements, 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. Former NCOE athletes also shone, with Nimisha winning silver in the T46 Long Jump, while Shailesh Kumar took home gold in High Jump and bronze in Long Jump. All medallists and participating athletes were honored with bouquets, and the contributions of coaches, support staff, and families were recognized.
Athlete Testimonials and Future Aspirations
Prachi Pandey expressed her appreciation for the training and facilities provided by SAI, emphasizing that athletes benefit from not just sport-specific coaching but also fitness training, sports psychology, mental conditioning, yoga, and meditation, all of which enhance their overall development. She expressed gratitude towards SAI officials and the entire team, confident that improved facilities and ongoing training would lead Indian athletes to greater international success.
Shubham Wadhwa shared his inspiring journey, detailing the challenges he faced returning to sports after a motorcycle accident in 2015. With the unwavering support of his family, coaches, and SAI, he achieved remarkable success, including two gold medals at his first Asian Para Games. He expressed his gratitude to SAI, the Ministry of Sports, and his support team, outlining his ambitions to win medals at the upcoming World Championships and perform well 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 facilities at SAI for enhancing her performance and thanked her coach, the SAI team, and her family for their ongoing support. Tejalben also highlighted the efforts to promote sports in Gujarat, expressing optimism about India's potential to achieve new heights in global sports.
Commitment to Future Development
Prashant Singh, the Regional Director of SAI 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 prepare for future international competitions."
The event was attended by Prashant Singh, Bibhubhushan, Deputy Director of SAI NCOE Ahmedabad, and Smt. Ishpreet Kaur, Assistant Director of SAI Gandhinagar. The officials congratulated the athletes and coaches, commending their contributions to para-sports.