India, Oct. 28 -- India's record medal haul at the 2026 Asian Para Games was a measure of how far its para-athletes have come. But for five para-cyclists, the weeks before the Games were marked by a different (and harrowing) contest: be allowed to compete as a part of the Indian contingent.

India won 114 medals in Aichi-Nagoya - 30 gold, 35 silver and 49 bronze to finish fourth overall, shedding renewed spotlight on how much para-sports have achieved in the country. Yet, the exclusion of five cyclists has raised eyebrows on the selection process and the support the para-athletes receive (or not!) in the run up to the selection.

For these five para-cyclists, the disappointment ran deeper than rejection. It was their efforts not being ack...