Asian Para Games 2026: Simran Sharma replaces Bavina as India's flagbearer

Para sprinter Simran Sharma has been named as the replacement for paddler Bhavina Patel as India's flag bearer at the Aichi Nagoya Asian Para Games on Saturday. The decision was taken to prioritise Bhavina’s rest and recovery ahead of her quarter-final match scheduled for October 19.

Bhavina, a wheelchair athlete, has been given sufficient time to rest and prepare for her crucial quarter-final. The journey to and from the venue takes nearly six hours, which would be physically demanding and leave her with limited time to recover ahead of the match.

Explaining the decision, Satyanarayana, Head Coach of Para Athletics, said, “Bhavina has her quarter-final match tomorrow, October 19, and it is important that she gets adequate rest and recovery ahead of this crucial contest. As a wheelchair athlete, travelling to and from the venue takes nearly six hours, which would be demanding and leave her with limited time to recover. Keeping her well-being and competition schedule in mind, we felt it was important to make this change. Our priority is to ensure that our athletes get the rest they need and are fully prepared to give their best when they compete.”

Pramod Bhagat and Simran Sharma will take on the honour of flag bearers, representing the determination, resilience and sporting spirit of Indian athletes. The decision underscores the importance of putting athletes’ well-being first and ensuring that ceremonial responsibilities do not compromise their preparation and performance.