Mohenjodaro-Inspired Indian Team Outfit Becomes a Highlight at Asian Para Games Opening Ceremony

India’s Mohenjodaro-Inspired Blazers Steal Spotlight at Asian Para Games 2026 Opening Ceremony

India’s contingent attracted attention at the opening ceremony of the Asian Para Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Sunday, October 18, with ceremonial blazers celebrating the country’s ancient Indus Valley Civilisation.

The deep blue outfits featured intricate golden prints inspired by some of the civilisation’s most recognisable artefacts, blending India’s rich cultural heritage with the spirit of international sporting competition.

Motifs of the iconic Priest-King sculpture and the Dancing Girl figurine featured prominently on the blazers. Ancient seals bearing symbols and script associated with the Indus Valley Civilisation were also incorporated into the designs.

The collars paid tribute to SaptSindhu, the historic land of the seven rivers, including the mighty Saraswati, while the Indian Tricolour was displayed on the pocket close to the heart. The design offered a distinctive representation of India’s cultural identity as the contingent joined athletes from across Asia for the opening ceremony.

The ceremony marked the beginning of the fifth edition of the Asian Para Games, scheduled to run from October 18 to 24. India has sent a 281-member contingent, including 168 athletes—112 men and 56 women—who will compete across 11 sporting disciplines.

Around 3,000 athletes representing 45 nations are expected to participate in the Games, which are being held under the motto ‘Imagine One Heart’.

Pramod Bhagat and Simran Sharma Lead Indian Contingent

Para-badminton star Pramod Bhagat and para-sprinter Simran Sharma carried the Indian flag as the country’s flag bearers during the opening ceremony. More than 100 Indian athletes participated in the parade, marking the start of the nation’s campaign at the continental event.

Simran was selected to replace para-table tennis player Bhavina Patel, whose participation in the ceremony was reconsidered to protect her recovery time ahead of an important quarter-final scheduled for Monday, October 19.

The decision took into account the long journey to and from the ceremony venue, which was expected to take nearly six hours. As a wheelchair athlete, Patel would have faced additional travel demands, potentially leaving her with limited time to rest before her match.

India Prioritises Bhavina Patel’s Recovery

Satyanarayana, head coach of para-athletics, explained that the decision was made with Patel’s well-being and competition schedule in mind.

He said the team wanted to ensure that the wheelchair athlete received adequate rest before her crucial quarter-final encounter. The lengthy journey and limited recovery window were key considerations in the decision to change the flag bearer.

The coach emphasised that the priority was to ensure athletes remained physically prepared for their respective events and had sufficient time to recover between commitments.

Bhagat and Simran subsequently took on the responsibility of leading the Indian contingent during the ceremony as the team began its campaign in Japan.

With its heritage-inspired attire drawing attention and its athletes preparing for competition across 11 disciplines, India has begun the Asian Para Games with a prominent display of cultural pride and sporting ambition. The competition will continue until October 24, bringing together athletes from across the continent under the theme ‘Imagine One Heart’.