Para Archer Harvinder Singh Wins Gold at Asian Para Games 2026

Harvinder Singh, a para archer and Padma Shri awardee from Haryana's Kaithal district, has won gold at the Asian Para Games 2026. Competing in the men's recurve doubles event alongside Jharkhand's Vijay Sundi, he helped India defeat host China 5-1 in the final held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

The gold medal match against Duo Yun and Zhao Lixue was a thrilling contest. The first set ended in a 35-35 tie. The Indian pair responded by winning the second set 37-36 and the third set 38-36. Two straight set wins gave Harvinder and Vijay a firm grip on the match and guaranteed the gold.

Harvinder, who was born on February 25, 1991, has overcome significant obstacles throughout his life. At one and a half years old, he contracted dengue. Polio followed as a side effect of an injection given during treatment. Despite the physical challenges, his determination never wavered.

His archery career took off with the 2017 World Para Archery Championship. In 2018, he won gold at the Asian Para Games in Jakarta, and his success has continued steadily since.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought sports activity to a near standstill, yet Harvinder did not stop training. His father, Paramjit Singh, organised practice sessions in the fields so that his preparation would continue without interruption.

Harvinder is also committed to his studies. He is currently doing a PhD in economics at Punjabi University, Patiala, and believes that sport and education are both essential for personal growth.

News of the gold medal triggered celebrations in his household and village. Sweets were shared among families, and many residents sent congratulatory messages by phone and text.

His father, Paramjit Singh, said the success was a source of immense pride. He noted that Harvinder was diagnosed with polio at around one and a half years of age and that medical treatment could not fully cure the condition. He said his son was a bright student who completed Class 12 at Chika and moved to Punjabi University in 2010. After seeing archery on television in 2012, Harvinder developed a strong interest in the sport.

His wife, Manpreet Kaur, expressed pride in his accomplishment. She said he had previously won medals at the Para Asian Games and that this victory had brought honour to the family and the country. A warm welcome is being planned for his return home.