Aichi-Nagoya. India will enter the Para Asian Games starting from Sunday with the intention of leaving behind its previous performance. However, this time the size of the Indian contingent is much smaller than before. Apart from this, controversies regarding the selection process in Para Shooting and Para Cycling have also affected the atmosphere before the Games. In such a situation, it will be a big challenge for India to repeat the achievement of 111 medals won in 2023. India had won a total of 111 medals, including 29 gold, 31 silver and 51 bronze, in the last Para Asian Games held in 2023 in Hangzhou, China. This was India's best performance so far in these games. This time Indian players will enter the field with the aim of improving this record (New Medal Record).

Indian contingent reduced from 303 to 168

In these games to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, India has sent a contingent of 168 players for 11 sports, whereas in Hangzhou, 303 players took part from India. The size of the Indian contingent has decreased due to tightened participation quotas and changes in sporting schedules. This decline in the number of players may also affect the total number of medals. In such a situation, India's success will largely depend on the performance of the experienced medal winners and the ability of the new players to make their mark at the continental level. Even before the official opening ceremony, Indian players have started their campaigns in Para Badminton, Para Table Tennis, Boccia and Visually Impaired Football.

Highest expectations from para athletics

India had won a total of 55 medals including 18 gold in Para Athletics in the Hangzhou Para Asian Games. This time too, athletics can become a big source of medals for the Indian team. However, the number of Indian players in this event has reduced from 123 to 62. Paralympic champion and world record holder javelin thrower Sumit Antil will be hoping for a gold medal. Nishad Kumar in high jump, Preeti Pal in sprint and Dharambir Singh in club throw will strengthen the Indian challenge.

Keep an eye on archery, badminton and shooting

In archery, good performance is expected from armless archers Sheetal Devi and Payal Nag. At the same time, Paralympic recurve champion Harvinder Singh and world champion Toman Kumar are also among the medal contenders. In para badminton, India's hopes will rest largely on multiple-time champions Pramod Bhagat and Suhas LY. In shooting, Paralympic champion Avani Lekhara will lead the Indian challenge. There will also be hopes of a medal from Tokyo Paralympics silver medalist Bhavina Patel in Para Table Tennis.

Difficulties increased due to dispute over selection process

Ahead of the Games, controversies have emerged over the selection process in para shooting and para cycling. Around 150 para shooters have demanded an independent inquiry from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) into alleged financial irregularities, recovery and violation of selection guidelines. Indian Paralympic Committee President Devendra Jhajharia has rejected these allegations and said that the selection process was completed in a fair manner. At the same time, the Sports Ministry removed the head coach of the shooting team from the team and included another coach in his place. This decision was opposed by many prominent shooters. There was confusion regarding selection in para cycling also. The joint selection committee had selected six cyclists, but the Sports Ministry cleared only Arshad Shaikh's name.

Eyes fixed on experienced players and new faces

This time the challenge before the Indian team is not only to increase the number of medals but also to perform better with limited players. On one hand, there are medal hopes from experienced players like Sumit Antil, Avani Lekhara, Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel, while on the other hand, new players will have a chance to prove their talent on the big stage. Now it remains to be seen whether the small Indian contingent, despite adverse circumstances, can surpass Hangzhou's record of 111 medals or not.