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India’s contingent for the 2026 Asian Para Games has increased to 168 athletes after the Union Sports Ministry approved two late entries in Boccia. Sachin Chamaria and Anjali Devi have received clearance to compete in the individual events, adding to India’s representation ahead of the continental competition in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
The Games are scheduled to take place from October 18 to 24, 2026. The late approvals follow a period of uncertainty around India’s team selection, including protests by para-athletes over omissions from the contingent.
The Ministry has approved Sachin Chamaria and Anjali Devi for the Boccia individual events. Boccia is a precision sport in which competitors propel coloured balls towards a white target ball, known as the jack. Depending on their physical abilities, athletes may throw, kick or use a ramp to deliver the balls.
The two additions take India’s athlete count from the previously reported 166 to 168. Their inclusion gives India two more competitors as the country prepares for the opening of the Asian Para Games.
India will enter the competition with athletes across multiple para-sports, including athletics, badminton, archery, shooting, swimming and table tennis.
Several prominent names are expected to lead the challenge. Para-archer Sheetal Devi, badminton star Pramod Bhagat and para-table tennis player Bhavina Patel are among the established athletes featured in reports on India’s contingent.
The team also includes athletes who have delivered strong performances at international events and will be aiming to convert that form into medals in Japan.
The team announcement followed concerns raised by athletes over the selection process. Para-shooters protested at the contingent’s send-off event in New Delhi, alleging favouritism and irregularities. Some athletes also made allegations against a shooting official; the official denied wrongdoing and said selections followed established criteria.
The Ministry subsequently removed para-shooting coach Jai Prakash Nautiyal from the contingent, with veteran coach Jeevan L. Rai reported to be replacing him.
Para-cycling selections also drew objections from athletes who were not included. Reports said the Ministry approved Paralympian Arshad Shaik while declining other proposed additions.
These are allegations and reported administrative decisions; they should not be treated as established findings of misconduct.
The 2026 Asian Para Games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from October 18 to 24. The event brings together athletes with disabilities from across Asia to compete in a range of sports.
India will be seeking a strong medal return while giving its athletes an opportunity to compete against the continent’s leading para-sport competitors.
With the late Boccia entries approved, attention now turns to the Indian contingent’s final preparations and performances once competition begins. Official start lists, event schedules and results should be followed for confirmation of each athlete’s participation.
The updated total of 168 athletes reflects the latest reported approval. Any further additions or changes should be confirmed through official Sports Ministry or Paralympic Committee of India communications.
Hindustan Times — Late additions: Sports Ministry approves two Boccia players for Para Asian Games: https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/others/late-additions-sports-ministry-approves-two-boccia-players-for-para-asian-games-101791974061259.html
India Today — Controversial shooting coach sacked as India announce 166-member squad for Asian Para Games: https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/other-sports/story/india-asian-para-games-squad-3016323-2026-10-13
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports — Official updates: https://yas.gov.in/en/all-latest-news
