Asian Para Games 2026: Simran Sharma replaces Bhavina Patel as India's flagbearer for opening ceremony
Pramod Bhagat has been named the male flagbearer for showpiece event
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Pramod Bhagat and Simran Sharma will serve as India’s flagbearers at the Asian Para Games 2026 opening ceremony, with Simran replacing Bhavina Patel following a decision to prioritise Bhavina’s rest and recovery ahead of her quarter-final match scheduled for October 19.
The decision has been taken to ensure that Bhavina, a wheelchair athlete, has sufficient time to rest and prepare for her crucial quarter-final.
The journey to and from the venue takes nearly six hours, which would be physically demanding and leave her with limited time to recover ahead of the match.
Related: Asian Para Games 2026: Full list of Indian contingent and sport-wise entries
Explaining the decision, Satyanarayana, Head Coach of Para Athletics, said, “Bhavina has her quarter-final match tomorrow, October 19, and it is important that she gets adequate rest and recovery ahead of this crucial contest.
As a wheelchair athlete, travelling to and from the venue takes nearly six hours, which would be demanding and leave her with limited time to recover.
Keeping her well-being and competition schedule in mind, we felt it was important to make this change. Our priority is to ensure that our athletes get the rest they need and are fully prepared to give their best when they compete.”
Also Read: A look back at India’s performance at Asian Para Games 2022
Pramod Bhagat and Simran Sharma will take on the honour of flagbearers, representing the determination, resilience and sporting spirit of Indian athletes.
The decision underscores the importance of putting athletes’ well-being first and ensuring that ceremonial responsibilities do not compromise their preparation and performance.
Who will be India’s flagbearers at the Asian Para Games 2026 opening ceremony?
Olympic champion Pramod Bhagat and Paris bronze medallist Simran Sharma will be India’s flagbearers for the curtain-raiser event.
Why was Bhavina Patel replaced as India’s flagbearer for the opening ceremony of Asian Para Games 2026?
According to PCI (Paralympic Committee of India), Bhavina was replaced to prioritise Bhavina’s rest and recovery ahead of her quarter-final match scheduled for October 19.
Where and when will Asian Para Games 2026 opening ceremony take place?
The opening ceremony will be held at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium on October 18. It is scheduled to begin at 2:30 pm IST.
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