Simran Sharma replaced Bhavina Patel as India's flag bearer for the Para Asian Games opening ceremony. The Paralympic Committee of India said, "The decision has been taken to ensure that Bhavina has sufficient time to rest and prepare for her crucial quarter-final." She plays her important match on October 19.
Simran Sharma will join Pramod Bhagat as India's flag bearer at the Para Asian Games opening ceremony, with Bhavina Patel stepping aside to get adequate rest ahead of her quarter-final on October 19.
Sprinter Simran Sharma has replaced para table tennis player Bhavina Patel as India's flag bearer for the opening ceremony of the Para Asian Games, with the decision taken to ensure that Patel gets adequate rest ahead of her quarter-final on October 19.
The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) had earlier named Patel and para badminton star Pramod Bhagat as India's flag bearers for Sunday's opening ceremony. However, the committee decided to make a change after considering Patel's competition schedule and the demands of travelling to and from the venue.
In a statement, the PCI said the journey would take nearly six hours, leaving Patel with limited time to rest and recover before her quarter-final.
"The decision has been taken to ensure that Bhavina, a wheelchair athlete, has 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," the PCI said.
Para athletics head coach Satyanarayana said the team did not want to compromise on Patel's preparation ahead of the important knockout contest on Monday.
"Bhavina has her quarter-final match on 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," Satyanarayana said.
Bhagat, meanwhile, remains one of India's most accomplished para badminton players. He has won six medals at the Asian Para Games across the 2014, 2018 and 2023 editions, including two gold and four bronze.
Patel has also enjoyed success at the continental event, winning a silver medal in 2018 and a bronze in 2023 in para table tennis.