Why badminton, athletics hold key for India’s 100-medal ambition at Para Asian Games

A total of 168 Indian para athletes will participate in the upcoming Asian Para Games, set to begin in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Sunday. The Indian contingent, which has been significantly reduced from the 309 athletes sent to Hangzhou, China, in 2023, aims to replicate that success. India had won a total of 108 medals, with 27 gold, at the previous edition, which was the first of its kind since 2010.

The sports ministry has maintained strict selection policies, though two additional athletes, Sachin Chamaria and Anjali Devi in Boccia, were added. The athletes from Para Athletics and Para Badminton are crucial, as they alone contributed more than half of India's medals in the 2023 Games. They make up 62 participants, with Simran Sharma and Bhavinaben Patel expected to lead the charge.

Additional hopes lie in Para Archery with Sheetal Devi and Avani Lekhara, and Para Shooting with Avani Lekhara. Young athletes like Payal Nag, a quadruple amputee sensation, also aim to make their mark, marking her first appearance in a multi-sporting para event.