Sachin Chamaria, a boccia athlete from Assam, has been cleared to represent India at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games 2026 in Japan after the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports approved the inclusion of two boccia players in the Indian contingent. Chamaria and Anjali Devi will compete in the individual events, taking India’s contingent to 168 athletes across 11 sports. The Games will take place from October 18 to 24, 2026. The late approval follows uncertainty over their participation and gives both athletes an opportunity to compete at a major international sporting event.
Last-Minute Clearance
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports approved Chamaria and Anjali Devi shortly before the Games, according to a report published on October 14, 2026. Both athletes have been cleared for the individual boccia events, following uncertainty over their inclusion in the Indian contingent. The subsequent update confirmed that India would field two athletes in boccia at the continental competition.
The clearance is significant for athletes preparing for a major international competition, where training schedules, travel arrangements and equipment requirements must be coordinated in advance. Their inclusion also gives India representation in a sport that requires considerable precision, concentration and tactical decision-making.
A Journey Through Sport
According to reports, Sachin Chamaria suffered a cervical spinal cord injury in a road accident in Kolkata in 2008, when he was 17, leaving him paralysed in all four limbs. A former taekwondo athlete, he later explored para-athletics before discovering boccia in 2020. He won gold at his first national boccia championship in 2021 and went on to become a six-time national champion, earning recognition for his precision and determination.
His sporting journey highlights the importance of access to appropriate sporting opportunities and support for athletes with disabilities.
Understanding Boccia
Boccia is a precision sport in which players aim to propel their coloured balls as close as possible to a small white target ball called the jack. Competitors use red or blue balls, and the player or side with balls closest to the target can score points. The sport tests accuracy, concentration, strategy and control.
In the BC3 classification, athletes with severe impairments affecting all four limbs can use an assistive ramp to propel the ball. A ramp operator can position the equipment according to the athlete’s instructions but must follow strict rules during play, including not looking into the playing area during an end. These rules ensure that the athlete remains responsible for directing the shot.
Boccia is among the 18 sports listed for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games 2026 by the Asian Paralympic Committee. The competition is scheduled to take place in Nagoya from October 17 to 24, according to the committee’s boccia preview.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Sachin Chamaria’s participation highlights why para-athletes need consistent institutional support, accessible training facilities and timely administrative decisions. Competing at an international level requires years of preparation, and uncertainty over selection can place additional pressure on athletes who are already managing demanding training routines and equipment needs.
India’s sporting ambitions must extend beyond medal counts to creating an environment in which athletes with disabilities have equal opportunities to train, compete and progress. Their achievements deserve recognition for their sporting ability, dedication and discipline, while sports organisations must ensure that participation decisions are communicated well in advance.
Chamaria’s inclusion can also help raise awareness of boccia and encourage more people to explore inclusive sports. What steps should India take to ensure that para-athletes receive timely support and equal opportunities to represent the country internationally?
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