Tridib BaparnashNew Delhi, Oct. 17 -- India will face a stiff challenge to improve on its best-ever finish at the 2026 Asian Para Games, with a significantly smaller contingent and selection-related controversies in para-shooting and para-cycling adding to the hurdles ahead of the Aichi-Nagoya Games, which begin on Sunday.
India finished fifth at Hangzhou in 2023 with a record 111 medals, comprising 29 gold, 31 silver and 51 bronze. This time, however, the country will be represented by around 168 athletes across 11 disciplines, a sharp decline from the 303 who competed in China.
The reduction in numbers has been attributed to tighter participation quotas and changes in the events on offer. With fewer athletes in the fray, India will rely...