Sachin Chamaria Exclusive | Indian BC3 athlete aims for Para Asian Games triumph while raising boccia’s profile in India

Sachin Chamaria, India’s leading Boccia competitor, is gearing up for another major international assignment after being included alongside Anjali Devi in the nation’s contingent for the Para Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The Indian international para athlete, entrepreneur and disability inclusion advocate has been a consistent performer and a medal winner in the sport, raising the country’s profile.

Sachin is coming off a strong performance at the World Boccia Challenger in Cairo, where he clinched a silver medal in BC3 pairs alongside Sarita Dwivedi and a bronze medal in the BC3 individual category. The medal finishes in both categories would boost his confidence as he gears up to represent India at the Para Asiad in Japan.

Sachin eyes Asian Games glory

At the 2026 Para Asian Games, Sachin will compete in both the BC3 Individual and BC3 Pairs events. His ambition is not just to win medals for India, but also to increase awareness about Boccia across the nation.

Speaking to Firstpost in an exclusive interaction, the Indian BC3 athlete expressed gratitude to the Sports Ministry and all those who supported his journey, stressing that representing the country always comes with a deep sense of duty.

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Having previously represented India at the Hangzhou Para Asian Games, Sachin believes his international experience has better equipped him to handle the challenges ahead.

The following are the excerpts from the interview:

1. You have been included in India’s contingent for the Para Asian Games 2026. What was your reaction when you received the confirmation?

I felt grateful and proud when I received the confirmation. I am thankful to the Sports Ministry and everyone who helped make this opportunity possible. Wearing the India jersey carries a deep sense of responsibility, and I look forward to representing the country in the BC3 Individual and Pairs events. I hope this opportunity also brings greater recognition to boccia and encourages more athletes with disabilities to take up the sport.

2. What does representing India at a major continental event mean to you personally?

Representing India is a responsibility I value deeply. It gives me an opportunity to compete against some of Asia’s strongest athletes and contribute to the growth of boccia in the country. Every time I represent India, I carry the aspirations of our sporting community with me. I want to give my best on the court, make the country proud and inspire more people with disabilities to explore sport and pursue their ambitions.

3. Having previously been part of India’s contingent at the Hangzhou Para Asian Games, how does this opportunity compare with your last appearance?

Every opportunity to represent India at a major international event is meaningful. With my experience in international competition and my recent performances at the World Boccia Challenger in Cairo, I approach this edition with valuable learnings and a clear focus on my game. Winning silver in BC3 Pairs alongside Sarita Dwivedi and bronze in BC3 Individual in Cairo has given me important experience to draw upon. I look forward to applying those learnings in Aichi-Nagoya and giving my best in both events.

4. What are your expectations from the Para Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya?

My immediate focus is on performing to the best of my ability in the BC3 Individual and Pairs events and putting India in contention for a medal. Boccia demands precision, tactical thinking and composure, particularly when competing against experienced international players. I want to execute my shots accurately, read match situations carefully and make the right decisions under pressure. A medal would be a significant milestone for Indian boccia and would help bring greater visibility to the sport across the country.

5. How different is your preparation for the Para Asian Games compared to other international events?

For a competition of this level, my focus is on precision, tactical awareness and maintaining composure under pressure. Each match requires me to assess the situation carefully, execute my shots accurately and make decisions based on how the game unfolds. My recent performances at the World Boccia Challenger in Cairo have given me valuable international experience, and I will draw on those learnings as I compete in Aichi-Nagoya. My priority is to stay focused on each shot and deliver my best performance for India.

6. India has been making steady progress in para sports. How confident are you about the country’s chances at this edition of the Para Asian Games?

India’s international performances in boccia have improved in recent years, and that progress gives us a positive foundation to build on. My own journey includes winning gold at the World Boccia Challenger in Bahrain in 2024, becoming the first Indian male BC3 athlete to win international gold, followed by silver in BC3 Pairs and bronze in BC3 Individual at the Cairo Challenger in 2026. These achievements reflect the progress Indian boccia is making on the international stage. I hope we can build on this momentum at the Para Asian Games and bring home a medal that inspires more athletes to take up the sport.

7. You often speak about creating greater awareness for boccia in India. If the Para Asian Games gives you a national platform, what’s the one message you would like every Indian to hear about athletes with disabilities and para sports?

My message is that sport can open up new possibilities for people with disabilities, and every individual should have the opportunity to discover their potential. Boccia has given me a renewed purpose and the opportunity to compete at the highest level. I want more Indians to learn about this sport, understand the skill and tactical thinking it demands, and recognise the achievements of its athletes. Greater awareness and access to sporting opportunities can encourage more people with disabilities to participate, compete internationally and dream of representing India at the Paralympics. I hope my participation in Aichi-Nagoya helps bring Indian boccia into the spotlight and inspires the next generation of athletes.

The Indian boccia players will be in action at the Para Asian Games 2026 on October 17 and 19-24.