Not too long ago, Sachin Chamaria took us into the world of Boccia, a precision sport that resembles lawn bowls and remains relatively unknown in India’s para-sports landscape. For the 35-year-old, however, Boccia is much more than an unfamiliar game. It is a sport that gave him a new purpose and an opportunity to compete at the highest level.
Sachin’s life changed forever in 2008, when a road accident in Kolkata left him paralysed from the neck down at just 17. Before the tragedy, he was an accomplished martial artist who had represented India and won a national-level taekwondo championship. He was also passionate about football and cricket.
The accident changed his life, but it could not extinguish his sporting ambitions.
Determined to compete again, Sachin initially took up club throw and enjoyed some success. However, he soon realised that reaching the highest level in the discipline would be a challenge. His search for another sporting avenue eventually led him to Boccia, a game that demands precision, tactical awareness and composure.
It proved to be a turning point.
Today, Sachin is a six-time national champion and India’s highest-ranked BC3 Boccia player. His journey has taken him from the heartbreak of a life-altering accident to the international podium, and now he has another opportunity to make his mark.
The call-up, however, came late.
Sachin and Anjali Devi received clearance to compete in the Boccia individual events at the Para Asian Games in Japan, joining the Indian contingent at a late stage. Coach Gurpreet Singh will guide the duo, with two ramp operators assisting them during the competition.
For Sachin, who competes in the BC3 category, the opportunity goes beyond adding another tournament to his resume. He wants to use the platform to put Indian Boccia on the map and inspire more athletes with disabilities to take up the sport.
“I received confirmation of my inclusion following the Sports Ministry’s approval of two Boccia athletes for the Indian contingent. I am grateful to the Ministry and everyone who made this opportunity possible,” said Sachin in an exclusive chat with India Today.
“Wearing the India jersey is a responsibility I value deeply, and I am looking forward to representing the country in both the BC3 Individual and Pairs events. I hope my participation brings greater recognition to Boccia and encourages more athletes with disabilities to take up sport.”
EYES ON THE PRIZE
Sachin arrives at the Para Asian Games on the back of an impressive international campaign. At the World Boccia Challenger in Cairo, he won silver in BC3 Pairs alongside Sarita Dwivedi and bronze in the BC3 Individual event. He is also ranked among the world’s top 20 players in the sport.
With international experience behind him, Sachin knows what the competition demands. His approach is straightforward: execute his shots with precision, read the situation intelligently and maintain his composure when the pressure mounts.
The ultimate objective is to put India in contention for a medal.
“Boccia requires precision, tactical thinking and composure, particularly when competing against experienced international players. My focus will be on executing each shot accurately, reading match situations and making the right decisions under pressure.”
“My recent performances at the World Boccia Challenger in Cairo, where I won silver in BC3 Pairs with Sarita Dwivedi and bronze in BC3 Individual, have given me valuable international experience. I will draw on those learnings as I compete in both events at the Para Asian Games, with the aim of giving my best and putting India in contention for a medal,” said Sachin.
Yet, for all his personal ambitions, Sachin’s larger vision extends beyond the medal tally. He wants Boccia to gain the kind of recognition that other lesser-known sports in India have gradually managed to attract.
Having witnessed the growth of lawn bowls in the country, he hopes Boccia can follow a similar path. A medal at the Para Asian Games, he believes, could provide a significant boost to the sport’s visibility and encourage more athletes to take it up.
“A medal would be a significant milestone for Indian Boccia at the Para Asian Games and would reflect the progress we have made in the sport. India’s international performances have improved in recent years.”
“I won 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. A medal at the Para Asian Games would build on these achievements and help bring greater visibility to Boccia in India,” said Sachin.
THE PARALYMPIC DREAM
Sachin’s journey has been defined by adversity, resilience and the determination to find new possibilities when life takes an unexpected turn. Yet, despite the progress he has made, he remains grounded in his expectations.
A medal at the Para Asian Games would be a major achievement, but he believes the experience itself would be valuable if it helps him improve and brings greater attention to Boccia in India.
“I would be happy knowing that I gave my best in both events and represented India with commitment. Competing at the Para Asian Games is an important opportunity to test myself against some of Asia’s strongest athletes and gain further experience at the highest level.”
“I would also value the opportunity to introduce more people to Boccia and demonstrate how access to sport can open up new possibilities for people with disabilities,” said Sachin.
There is, however, a bigger dream on the horizon: the Paralympics.
For Sachin, the prospect of seeing India compete in Boccia at the Paralympic Games represents a significant milestone, both for his personal ambitions and for the sport’s future in the country. While a medal in Japan would be a memorable achievement, securing a pathway towards the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics would carry its own significance.
“A medal at the Para Asian Games would be a tremendous achievement, while Paralympic qualification would represent a major milestone for Indian Boccia.”
“My immediate focus is on competing in the BC3 Individual and Pairs events and giving my best for India. At the same time, I want to contribute to the sport’s growth in the country and help create a pathway for more Indian athletes to compete at the highest level. Seeing India progress towards competing at the Paralympics in Boccia would be deeply meaningful to me,” said Sachin.
For a sport that still needs greater visibility in India, Sachin’s presence at the Para Asian Games offers an opportunity to change perceptions. A medal would strengthen that cause, but his ambition runs deeper than a podium finish.
He wants to help build a future in which more Indian athletes discover Boccia, compete internationally and dream of reaching the Paralympics.
For Sachin Chamaria, the call-up may have come late. The opportunity to make history, however, is very much alive.
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