Navdeep, Ajit and Dileep Return Home After Asian Para Games

Indian para-athletes Navdeep Singh, Ajit Yadav and Dileep Gavit arrived home after competing at the Asian Para Games 2026 in Japan, where they won medals for the country. Their return drew a warm welcome, and the athletes reflected on their time abroad.

Navdeep Singh, who won bronze in the men's javelin throw F40/F41 category, said he was pleased to be back. He said the medal had given him great satisfaction and that he now intends to take a break as the year closes. He also commented on how the games were run in Japan compared with domestic events.

The javelin thrower said that athletes are generally accustomed to a complete games village, but the arrangement in Japan was quite different. Living quarters and training grounds were located apart from each other. He had to travel about 40 minutes each day to train, and the hotel lacked a gym. Navdeep said understanding these conditions took some time.

He added that he would spend Diwali with his family and send festive wishes to fellow citizens.

Ajit Yadav secured silver in the men's javelin throw F46 event. He said he was satisfied with his performance and that the welcome and felicitation organised for him had doubled his happiness.

He described the trip to Japan as a rewarding experience. It was his third tournament in the country, after two appearances at the Tokyo Paralympics and one at the World Championships. Ajit explained that the final throw decided the contest, with his rival edging him out for gold by a narrow margin. He observed that mental and psychological challenges are a natural part of major competitions and help motivate athletes to deliver their best.

Dileep Gavit, who won two golds in the men's 100m and 400m (T47) events, expressed both happiness and disappointment. He said the achievement was a source of pride, but the absence of any government or sports authority representative at the airport was disheartening. He noted that athletes returning to states like Delhi and Haryana are typically welcomed with drums and festivities.