Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Indian Blind Football Team Eyes Medal at Asian Para Games
India’s blind football team hopes to win a medal at the 2026 Asian Para Games.
Assistant coach and goalguide Naresh Singh Nayal says the team has trained together for longer than before.
He believes this has helped the players feel more confident.
Captain Sovendra Singh Bhandari says he has been trusted to lead the team.
The squad includes experienced players and newcomers.
Bhandari says they have worked well together and are trying hard.
The Games will take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
The team hopes its preparation will lead to a medal, but the outcome is not yet known.
Assistant coach and goalguide Naresh Singh Nayal says India is more hopeful of winning a medal at the 2026 Asian Para Games.
Nayal credits a longer period of team training, stronger confidence and support for the squad’s improved preparation.
Captain Sovendra Singh Bhandari says the Indian Blind Football Federation has entrusted him with leading the team.
Bhandari says experienced players and newcomers have gelled and are working toward a medal.
The 5th Asian Para Games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan; Bhandari says the result will depend on the competition there.
- Who
- India’s blind football team, including captain Sovendra Singh Bhandari and assistant coach and goalguide Naresh Singh Nayal.
- What
- The team is preparing and expressing hope of winning a medal at the 5th Asian Para Games.
- When
- The 5th Asian Para Games are scheduled for 2026.
- Where
- Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
- Why
- The team aims to turn its longer preparation, improved coordination and confidence into a medal.
Reasons for optimism
Uncertain outcome
Medal prospects
Reasons for optimism
Nayal and Bhandari are hopeful that the team can win a medal, citing longer training, confidence and a squad that has gelled.
Uncertain outcome
Bhandari says the result will depend on Nagoya, Japan; the articles do not establish that a medal is assured.
- Competition
- 5th Asian Para Games
- Year
- 2026
- Host location
- Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
- Team
- Indian Blind Football Team
- Captain
- Sovendra Singh Bhandari
- Assistant coach and goalguide
- Naresh Singh Nayal
- Team's stated goal
- Winning a medal