Nagoya [Japan], October 18 (ANI): India is concentrating on round 100 medals on the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games, with Para Athletics Head Coach Satyanarayana expressing confidence within the contingent’s preparation, willpower and talent to ship a robust efficiency because the Games formally open in Japan on Sunday.
India has fielded a 168-athlete contingent for the fifth version of the continental multi-sport occasion, being held from October 18 to 24. The Indian workforce will compete throughout 11 sports activities, aiming to construct on its historic efficiency on the earlier version in Hangzhou in 2023, the place India secured a file 111 medals, together with 29 gold, 31 silver and 51 bronze, to complete fifth within the total standings, as per a launch.Â
Speaking forward of the opening ceremony, Satyanarayana mentioned the Indian athletes have been in constructive spirits and desperate to translate their preparation into outcomes, with para athletics anticipated to play a big function in India’s medal marketing campaign.
“We are targeting around 100 medals for India, and we believe our athletes have the ability and determination to achieve this. Para athletics will be a crucial part of our medal campaign. We are expecting to win six medals in athletics tomorrow, including two to three gold medals. Nishad Kumar is also looking in good shape, and we are expecting him to deliver his personal best and potentially break the Games record. These are important opportunities for us to make a strong start to our campaign. The competition will be tough, with some of the best athletes from across Asia participating, but our athletes are well prepared and focused on performing to their potential, winning medals and making the country proud,” mentioned Satyanarayana, Head Coach of Para Athletics.
“The athletes are extremely happy with all the arrangements here in Nagoya. The facilities, accommodation and overall support have helped create a positive environment for the team. The athletes are comfortable, motivated and focused on their events. There is a great sense of confidence within the contingent, and everyone is looking forward to giving their best for the country,” he added.
India’s para-athletes have more and more established themselves on the worldwide stage, with the contingent combining skilled medal-winners with rising expertise seeking to make their mark at a significant continental occasion. The Indian contingent options a number of outstanding names, together with javelin thrower Sumit Antil, para-badminton champion Pramod Bhagat, para-shooter Avani Lekhara, para-archer Sheetal Devi and sprinter Simran Sharma. Their performances, alongside these of athletes throughout the 11 disciplines, might be central to India’s ambitions over the approaching week.
The opening ceremony will happen at the moment at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya, bringing collectively athletes and delegations from throughout Asia for the official begin of the Games. Para-badminton star Pramod Bhagat and para-athlete Simran Sharma will carry the Indian flag on the ceremony, main the contingent into the continental sporting showcase.
With the opening ceremony marking the start of per week of competitors, India’s athletes will look to hold the momentum of their preparations into the sector. The athletics occasions starting tomorrow will present an early alternative for India to construct momentum, with the workforce aiming not solely so as to add to its medal tally but additionally to strengthen the nation’s place as a number one drive in Asian para sports activities. (ANI)Â