CWG 2026: Indian Para Contingent Receives Grand Send-Off Ahead Of Glasgow Campaign

CWG 2026: The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), in association with M3M Foundation, organised a grand Send-Off Ceremony for the 28-member Indian para contingent selected to represent the country at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. The para athletes form part of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) contingent, which comprises both able-bodied and para athletes.

The ceremony also marked the first official event under the leadership of Dr. Payal Kanodia, who was recently appointed as the Chairperson of the Paralympic Committee of India. Dr. Kanodia, who also serves as the Chairperson of M3M Foundation, reaffirmed PCI’s commitment towards strengthening India’s para sports ecosystem and ensuring greater opportunities for para athletes to excel on the world stage.

The send-off ceremony was graced by Shri Gaurav Gautam, Hon’ble Sports Minister, Government of Haryana, as well as Devendra Jhajharia, President of the Paralympic Committee of India, and Dr Payal Kanodia, Chairperson, Paralympic Committee of India and Chairperson, M3M Foundation. There were many senior officials, including Paralympic Committee of India and National Sports Federation Presidents.

The Indian para contingent received a grand send-off ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in the presence of several key dignitaries from the country’s para sports ecosystem. Among those attending the ceremony were Para Powerlifting Federation of India President J.P. Singh, Para Swimming Federation of India President Virender Dabbas, Para Shooting Federation of India President J.P. Nautiyal, and Dr. Aishwarya Mahajan, representing M3M Foundation.

All 28 athletes selected to represent India at the Games were present, accompanied by their coaches and support staff. The contingent will compete across five disciplines: para athletics (11 athletes), para powerlifting (7), para swimming (5), para track cycling (1), and women’s wheelchair basketball (3×3) (4). With one of the country’s strongest para contingents heading to the Commonwealth Games, India will look to surpass its previous medal haul and continue its upward trajectory on the international stage.

India’s progress in para sport has been remarkable over the last two decades, with athletes consistently delivering medal-winning performances at the Paralympics, Asian Para Games, World Championships and other major international competitions. Since making its Commonwealth Games debut in 2002, India has claimed seven para medals, comprising one gold, two silver and four bronze. The Paralympic Committee of India believes the Glasgow-bound contingent has the talent and experience to improve on that record.

Paralympic Committee Wishes Contingent For CWG 26

Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson, Paralympic Committee of India and Chairperson, M3M Foundation, said: “It is a privilege to begin my journey as Chairperson of the Paralympic Committee of India by celebrating these exceptional athletes who will represent the nation at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Their resilience and determination inspire millions. Together with M3M Foundation, we remain committed to building a stronger and more inclusive para sports ecosystem by improving infrastructure, athlete development and high-performance support. I am confident this talented contingent will make India proud and contribute to the country’s growing legacy in para sport.”

Paralympic Committee of India President Devendra Jhajharia echoed those sentiments, saying: “Every athlete in this contingent has earned the honour of wearing the Indian jersey through years of hard work, sacrifice and perseverance. They carry not just their own dreams but the aspirations of an entire nation. We are confident this talented contingent will rise to the occasion in Glasgow and continue India’s remarkable journey in international para sport. I wish every athlete and member of the support staff the very best for the Games.”

The event also highlighted the expanding partnership between the Paralympic Committee of India and M3M Foundation, which is focused on strengthening the country’s para sports ecosystem. The collaboration aims to enhance athlete development, improve grassroots participation, expand access to high-performance training and support systems, and create greater opportunities for para athletes nationwide.

As the Indian contingent departs for Glasgow as part of the Indian Olympic Association delegation, hopes are high that the nation’s para athletes can produce their best-ever Commonwealth Games campaign and add another memorable chapter to India’s growing success story in international para sport.

Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026: Indian Paralympic Contingent