**Asian Para Games 2026: From Anjali Devi to Sachin Chamaria, 5 Indian Athletes You May Not Have Noticed**

The Asian Para Games represent the pinnacle of athletic achievement for athletes with disabilities across the continent. While the able-bodied Asian Games often dominate headlines, the Para Games offer a raw, unfiltered display of human resilience, grit, and tactical brilliance. India’s recent performances on the continental stage have been nothing short of spectacular, with the contingent consistently exceeding expectations and finishing in the top ranks.

However, the spotlight often shines brightest on the household names—the Paralympic legends and the viral sensations. Yet, behind every marquee medalist lies a deep bench of talent waiting to explode onto the scene. As we look ahead to the 2026 Asian Para Games, the narrative is shifting. The next edition promises to be a showcase of depth, not just star power.

Here are five Indian athletes—some returning from injury, others rising through the ranks—who you may not have noticed yet, but who are poised to become the headlines of 2026. From the track to the badminton court, these competitors embody the quiet revolution happening in Indian para-sports.

1. Anjali Devi: The Sprinting Powerhouse

While the spotlight often falls on the golden girls of Indian para-athletics, Anjali Devi has been carving out her own legacy with quiet ferocity. Hailing from Haryana, Anjali competes in the T-44/T-64 category (athletes with limb impairments).

Anjali is not just a participant; she is a force of nature on the 200m and 400m tracks. Her running style is marked by an aggressive start and an unwavering drive phase. She first caught the attention of selectors with a blistering performance at the National Para Athletics Championships, where she shaved crucial seconds off her personal best. What makes Anjali a compelling watch for 2026 is her versatility. She possesses the speed of a sprinter but the endurance of a quarter-miler. With the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya on the horizon, she is currently undergoing specialized biomechanical training to refine her curve-running technique. If she can stay injury-free, Anjali has the potential to disrupt the dominance of Chinese and Japanese sprinters in the 400m event.

2. Sachin Chamaria: The Badminton Tactician

In para-badminton, India has a rich history of success, but the men’s singles SL3 (lower limb impairment) category is incredibly competitive. Enter Sachin Chamaria. Currently ranked among the top tier of Indian shuttlers, Sachin is the definition of a "thinking player."

Unlike many athletes who rely purely on power, Sachin’s game is built on court craft, deception, and relentless defense. He excels at the fast-paced flat game, often forcing his opponents into errors by changing the pace of the rally. While his compatriots have grabbed the big titles, Sachin has been a consistent performer on the international circuit, often playing the role of a giant-killer. Looking toward 2026, his experience will be invaluable. He has spent the last year analyzing the playing styles of the top Asian shuttlers, focusing specifically on South Korean and Indonesian players who rely on explosive smashes. Sachin’s ability to absorb pressure and counter-attack makes him a dangerous "dark horse" for a podium finish.

3. Prachi Yadav: The Para-Canoeist

The waterways of Aichi, Japan, will host the canoeing events, and India’s hopes may rest on the shoulders of Prachi Yadav. A member of the Indian Navy, Prachi competes in the VL2 (outrigger canoe) category. While she gained some attention during the Paralympics, she remains significantly under-marketed compared to her peers.

Prachi’s story is one of immense physical transformation. She transitioned from a wheelchair-bound lifestyle to becoming one of the fittest athletes in the country. Canoeing is a grueling sport that demands immense core strength and upper body endurance. Prachi’s stroke rate is her greatest weapon; she maintains a high tempo that often breaks her competitors in the final 100 meters. With the 2026 Games approaching, she has shifted her training to focus on starts and buoy turns, technical aspects that can shave off vital fractions of a second. Her quiet determination makes her a prime candidate to surprise the traditional powerhouses of Iran and Uzbekistan.

4. Ashok Malik: The Powerlifting Dark Horse

India has a proud tradition in para-powerlifting, and Ashok Malik is the next in line to carry the torch. Competing in the 80kg category, Malik is a relative newcomer to the senior international circuit but has been demolishing national records.

Powerlifting is a sport of millimeters and kilograms, and Malik’s technical precision is his greatest asset. He possesses incredible upper-body strength, but unlike many raw lifters, his technique is flawless, ensuring he maximizes every ounce of force. He has been training under a specialized coach who emphasizes CNS (Central Nervous System) recovery and mental visualization. At the Asian Para Games 2026, the competition will be fierce, particularly from the Chinese and Iranian lifters. However, Malik’s rapid ascent suggests he has significant headroom for improvement. He is currently working on his "lockout" stability, aiming to add crucial kilograms to his total lift.

5. M. Ramanathan: The Para-Shuttler on a Mission

Returning to the badminton court, M. Ramanathan represents the future of Indian para-badminton in the SH6 category (short stature). Known affectionately as "Ramu" in the circuit, he is known for his incredible agility and court coverage.

In the SH6 category, the game is often played at a lower height, making net play and quick reflexes essential. Ramanathan possesses an uncanny ability to read the opponent's racket and anticipate the drop shot. He is currently ranked within the top 10 in Asia, a remarkable feat for an athlete who only transitioned to international competition recently. His training regimen includes agility ladders and reaction-time drills specifically designed for his classification. As the 2026 Games approach, Ramanathan is focusing on his finishing power. He is working with strength and conditioning experts to add muscle mass without sacrificing his trademark speed. If he can develop a lethal smash to complement his deceptive net play, he could be a genuine medal threat.

 The Road to Aichi-Nagoya

The 2026 Asian Para Games will be more than just a medal tally; it will be a testament to the depth of Indian sports. Athletes like Anjali, Sachin, Prachi, Ashok, and Ramanathan may not have billboards in their hometowns just yet, but their dedication mirrors that of the country's biggest stars.

The journey to Japan begins now. For these five, the goal is clear: to convert their potential into performance. As the nation watches, these lesser-known warriors are ready to step out of the shadows and into the light, proving that India's strength in para-sports lies not just in its champions, but in its thriving, competitive ranks.