India's Para Athletes Shine With Record Haul at Asian Games

Japan's Aichi-Nagoya hosted the Asian Para Games 2026, where India's para athletes delivered a record-setting campaign. The country finished fourth on the medal table with 114 medals. IOA President PT Usha on Sunday applauded the athletes for their outstanding efforts.

In her message on X, Usha praised the athletes for their strength, resolve and exceptional ability. She said every medal was the result of dedication and long hours of practice. She added that the athletes had not only made India proud but had also inspired countless people across the country to pursue their dreams in the face of adversity. She sent warm wishes to the champions, coaches and support staff.

India's medal count comprised 30 gold, 35 silver and 49 bronze. This exceeded the 108 medals won at the 2023 edition in Hangzhou, China, which included 27 gold. For the second consecutive edition, India crossed the 100-medal threshold, signalling its growing strength in para sports.

Para athletics remained a key pillar, accounting for 65 medals, made up of 22 gold, 19 silver and 24 bronze. Para badminton contributed 16 medals and para swimming added 11. The country also recorded six medals in para archery and five in shooting.

Individual performances were equally impressive. Sumit Antil defended his men's javelin throw gold. Simran Sharma claimed gold in both the women's 100m and 200m T12 events, setting Games records in each race. Mona Agarwal won the women's 50m rifle three positions SH1 gold with a record score.

India's campaign also included a special milestone in para table tennis. Jehan Dorab Madan, 50, won bronze and became the oldest medallist for the country at the Games.