India’s para badminton star Pramod Bhagat said athletes have remained focused on their preparations despite the controversy surrounding the selection process for the Asian Para Games and exuded confidence that the country would surpass its previous medal tally.
India won 21 medals, including four gold, six silver and 11 bronze, in para badminton at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Para Games.
India have sent a 168-member athlete contingent to the games in Nagoya, Japan, with Manasi Joshi and Thulasimathi Murugesan already assuring a medal in badminton women’s doubles SL3-SU5.
Bhagat, the Tokyo Paralympic gold winner and a six-time world champion, said the athletes remained focused on their preparations and were determined to deliver their best for the country. “The preparation for para badminton has been very good, and the players have worked extremely hard. Everyone has put in the effort required to perform at the highest level, and I am confident that we will surpass our previous medal tally,” Bhagat told PTI.
“I believe the team has the potential to deliver a strong performance and bring more medals home for India.”
The build-up to the showpiece was heavily impacted by fierce selection disputes across disciplines such as shooting, cycling and badminton, particularly the allocation of bipartite quota entries. “From the athletes’ perspective, our focus has remained on training and preparing for the competition,” Bhagat said.
“The discussions surrounding the selection process, particularly the bipartite quota entries, have been a separate matter. The athletes who have qualified through the established qualification process have worked extremely hard to earn their place at these Games. We have continued with our preparations and have not allowed these developments to distract us from our goal,” he said.
“Everyone is focused on representing India with pride and delivering the best possible performance for the country.” Asked whether the expectations would put him under pressure, Bhagat said his experience of competing at the highest level helped him remain focused.
“I don’t feel any pressure. I have represented India at the highest level for many years, and I understand what it takes to perform at major tournaments. My focus is on my preparation, my game and giving my best on the court,” he said.
“I have trained hard for these Games, and I am confident in my abilities. My aim is to win medals for India and make the country proud.”
Bhagat will also carry the Indian flag at the opening ceremony alongside sprinter Simran Sharma, who replaced para table tennis player Bhavina Patel to allow her to rest ahead of her quarterfinal on Monday.
“It is an incredibly proud and emotional moment for me. Being chosen as the flag bearer and captain of the Indian contingent is a tremendous honour. Holding the tricolour and leading your fellow athletes at an international sporting event is an experience that is difficult to put into words,” he said. This is Bhagat’s fifth appearance at the Asian Para Games, and he said carrying the national flag fulfilled a long-held ambition.
“In previous editions, I watched my fellow athletes take on this honour, and somewhere in my heart, I always believed that one day I would get this opportunity too. I am delighted that this dream has finally come true,” the 37-year-old said.
On the stiff competition in para badminton, Bhagat said India’s preparations had focused on adapting to different opponents rather than relying on a fixed strategy.
“Asia has some of the strongest para badminton players in the world, so the level of competition is extremely high. You cannot rely on the same strategy against every opponent. Over the years, I have learnt the importance of analysing opponents, understanding their strengths and weaknesses, and adapting my game accordingly,” he said.
Bhagat, who has won six medals at the Asian Para Games, including two gold and four bronze, said his recent performances boosted his confidence ahead of the competition.
“I will be competing in three events, and my goal is to win a medal in each of them. At the same time, I know that every tournament presents a different challenge, and past results count for little once you step onto the court,” he said.
“My aim is to perform even better than I did at the previous Asian Para Games and win gold medals for India.”