Haier India has strengthened its push into India’s growing sports ecosystem after being named the title sponsor of the ongoing Indian Open Para Athletics Championship 2026, underlining the increasing commercial momentum surrounding para sports in the country.
The competition, officially branded as the “Haier 8th Indian Open International Para Athletics Championship 2026”, is currently underway at Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium and is being organised by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI).
Recognised by the Government of India and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), and affiliated with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the championship continues to serve as one of India’s most significant para-athletics events, bringing together leading domestic and international para-athletes.
The tournament is playing a key role in athlete development, rankings, and preparation for upcoming global competitions, while also highlighting the rapidly growing visibility of para sport within India’s broader sporting landscape.
For Haier India, the partnership forms part of its wider “Sport-O-Tainment” strategy, through which the company has been expanding its footprint across Indian sport through consumer engagement, storytelling, and purpose-driven associations.
Mr NS Satish, CEO, Haier Appliances India, said, “At Haier Appliances India, we believe sports have the power to inspire, unite, and create meaningful social impact. Our ‘Sport-O-Tainment’ philosophy is rooted in building deeper emotional connections with consumers and communities through initiatives that celebrate passion, determination, and the human spirit. Our association with the Indian Open Para Athletics International Championship goes beyond sponsorship; it reflects our commitment to inclusivity and supporting talent that deserves greater visibility and recognition. Para athletes embody exceptional perseverance and strength, and we are proud to be associated with a platform that brings their journeys and achievements to the forefront.”
India’s para sports ecosystem has experienced significant commercial and institutional growth in recent years following the success of Indian para athletes at the Paralympic Games, Asian Para Games, and World Para Athletics competitions. That momentum has increasingly attracted corporate sponsorship, media attention, and investment into disability sport.
For the Paralympic Committee of India, the addition of a major consumer brand further reinforces the growing commercial appeal and long-term marketability of para athletics within India’s evolving sports business landscape.
