Para Athletes Feted in Gandhinagar After Asian Games Success
Gandhinagar, October 28: Para-athletes who medalled at the Asian Para Games 2026 were felicitated in Gandhinagar by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Regional Centre. The Games were held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, where India secured 114 medals overall. The felicitation event paid tribute to the athletes' perseverance and to the coaches, support staff and families who stood by them.
Athletes linked to NCOE Gandhinagar, both current and former, accounted for 16 of India's medals. The event underlined how consistent coaching and training support at the centre has helped athletes reach the podium.
Tejalben Amraji Damor won silver in the women's T12 400 metres and bronze in the T12 200 metres. Prachi Pandey, associated with NCOE Gandhinagar and Khelo India, took bronze in the women's singles Class 6 para table tennis. Shubham Wadhwa won bronze in men's doubles MD4 and mixed doubles XD7 in the same sport.
Former NCOE athletes Nimisha and Shailesh Kumar also contributed. Nimisha won silver in the T46 long jump. Shailesh Kumar claimed gold in the high jump and bronze in the long jump.
Bouquets were presented to all medal winners and other NCOE athletes. Officials acknowledged the role of coaches, support staff and families in preparing the athletes for international competition.
Prachi Pandey spoke about the facilities available at SAI. She explained that athletes get sport-specific coaching along with fitness training, sports psychology support, mental conditioning, yoga and meditation. She said these services help athletes improve their performance over time. She thanked SAI officials and the entire team, and expressed belief that better infrastructure and regular training would help Indian athletes achieve bigger success internationally.
Shubham shared the story of his return to competitive sport after a motorcycle accident in 2015. He said the comeback was a major challenge, but support from his family, coaches and SAI helped him keep working towards his targets. He mentioned winning two gold medals for India at his first Asian Para Games. He thanked SAI, the Ministry of Sports, his coaches and support staff. His future targets include a medal at the upcoming World Championships and strong showings at the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympics.
Tejalben credited SAI and her coach, Nitin Chaudhary, for helping her performance. She said the training and facilities at SAI played a key role in her progress. She thanked her coach, the SAI team and her family for their support. She also praised efforts to promote sports and prepare Gujarat to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, and hoped India would set new records on the global stage.
Prashant Singh, Regional Director of SAI Regional Centre Gandhinagar, said the centre aims to provide athletes with excellent coaching, facilities, nutrition and sports science support so they can fulfil their potential. He said the results reflect the athletes' hard work, their coaches' dedication and the combined efforts of the support staff. He added that SAI is committed to offering even stronger support during preparations for future international events.
SAI NCOE Ahmedabad Deputy Director Bibhubhushan and SAI Regional Centre Gandhinagar Assistant Director Ishpreet Kaur also attended and congratulated the athletes and coaches on their contribution to para sports.