The vice-president of the Paris Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), Satya Prakash Sangwan, was named as the chef de mission of the Indian contingent for the upcoming Paris Paralympics 2024. Meanwhile, Bhagyashree Jadhav and Sumit Antil have been named India’s flagbearers for the Paris Paralympics, leading the nation’s contingent of 84 athletes. This will also mark a special moment for India, as it will be the country’s largest-ever contingent of 84 athletes, a significant increase from the 54 who competed in Tokyo.

“It is a great honour to be entrusted with this responsibility. I am committed to ensuring that our athletes have everything they need to succeed and make India proud at the Paralympics,” Sangwan told the media after the announcement. He brings with him over a decade of dedicated service and experience within the Paralympic movement. As the chef de mission, he will be leading India’s largest-ever contingent of 84 para-athletes, who will be competing across 12 sports.

Satya Prakash announced as Chef De Mission

“Mr. Satya Prakash Sangwan has been an integral part of the Paralympic Committee of India for over a decade. His dedication and leadership have always been an inspiration to our athletes.

“We are confident that under his guidance as Chef de Mission, our team will achieve great success at the Paris Paralympics 2024,” PCI President Devendra Jhajharia said.

India gears up for Paris Paralympics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his best wishes to India’s Paris-bound Paralympians, in a virtual interaction with the contingent. PM Modi spoke to first-timers and previous winners from New Delhi and said the nation of a billion and more is hoping for some memorable performances from the athletes in Paris. The Paris Paralympics will be held from August 28 to September 8 in the French capital, which hosted the Olympics earlier in the month.

India is set to compete in three new sports at the upcoming Paralympic Games, marking a significant expansion of the country’s presence in the global event. With the inclusion of para cycling, para rowing, and blind judo, India will now participate in 12 sports.