Bangladesh para athletes given final send-off for Aichi-Nagoya challenge

Bangladesh's para athletes received their official send-off on Wednesday, as the country put the finishing touches to its preparations for the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games, with hopes of turning months of hard graft into a breakthrough on the continental stage.

The kitting and send-off ceremony was held at the National Sports Council (NSC) conference room, with State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque attending as chief guest. 

National Paralympic Committee of Bangladesh (NPC Bangladesh) President Mohammad Nasirul Islam, Vice-President Md Sanowar Hossain, Secretary General Dr Maruf Ahmed Mridul and Deputy Secretary General Md Hedayatul Aziz were among those present.

The Games, scheduled for 18 to 24 October in Japan, will bring together around 3,000 athletes from 45 National Paralympic Committees across 18 sports.

Bangladesh has been steadily building towards the event, with athletes training in six disciplines, Para athletics, Para archery, Para badminton, boccia, Para swimming and Para table tennis. The preparation has included specialised equipment, financial assistance and sustained training under the NPC's supervision.

The government has also pledged continued support for para sport. Aminul previously announced plans for an international-standard national para-sports competition, year-round training and broader opportunities for athletes with disabilities.

For Bangladesh's contingent, the final stretch is now less about preparation and more about execution. The foundations have been laid; the athletes must now translate training-room promise into competition-day performance.

The Aichi-Nagoya Games will be the fifth Asian Para Games and will run from 18 to 24 October.