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Smaller Squad, Big Ambitions: India at Asian Para Games
17 Oct
Summary
- India aims for high medal count with fewer athletes than before.
- Selection disputes in shooting and cycling cloud pre-Games atmosphere.
- Para-athletics and archery are key disciplines for medal hopes.
India is set to compete in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games, aiming to build on its record 111-medal haul from Hangzhou. However, a reduced contingent of approximately 168 athletes across 11 disciplines, compared to 303 previously, presents a significant challenge. This reduction is attributed to tighter participation quotas and event changes.
Para-athletics, India's largest medal contributor in Hangzhou with 55 medals, will be central again, though the number of competitors has decreased by nearly 50 percent. Top prospects include Paralympic champion Sumit Antil and high jumper Nishad Kumar.
Archery and para-badminton are also expected to yield medals, featuring strong contenders like armless archer Sheetal Devi and para-badminton stars Pramod Bhagat and Suhas LY. Shooting and table tennis offer further medal possibilities, with Avani Lekhara and Bhavina Patel as key hopes.
The Games are overshadowed by selection disputes in para-shooting and para-cycling. Allegations of financial irregularities and unfair selection have surfaced in para-shooting, while para-cycling saw a dispute over the number of cleared athletes. These controversies add to the challenges facing the smaller Indian contingent.
Despite the setbacks, the focus remains on athletes performing amidst uncertainty. India's strength in core disciplines and the experience of its Paralympic medalists are expected to drive its campaign for a successful showing at the continental event.
