Indian Athletes Win Eleven Medals on Day One of Asian Para Games

Indian para-athletes won eleven medals, including four gold, on the opening day of the Asian Para Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, placing the country fourth in the medal standings. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to the contingent on X, stating that the grit and dedication of the athletes inspire 140 crore Indians.

Gold Medal Winners

Shooter Mona Agarwal won gold in the women's ten-metre air rifle SH1 final with 250.0 points, setting a new Games record and securing a quota for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics. Two-time Paralympic champion Avani Lekhara finished second with 249.6 points. In para-athletics, Nishad Kumar won gold in the men's long jump T47 event with a 7.11-metre leap. Visually impaired runner Saumya won the women's 1500-metre T12/T13 event in 5 minutes and 12.39 seconds. Rinku secured gold in the men's javelin throw F46 event with a throw of 65.11 metres, while Ajit Singh took silver.

Other Medalists

In judo, Kokila won silver in the women's J2-52kg class after losing the final to Kyrgyzstan's Aibike Ulanbek kyzy. Kapil Parmar earned bronze in the men's J1-70kg class. Ravi Kartik Budigina won silver in the men's 100-metre freestyle S13 swimming event. Meanwhile, archer Sheetal Devi equaled a world record and set a new mixed team world record alongside Rakesh Kumar.

Context

Major multi-sport events like the Asian Para Games bring together athletes with various physical and visual impairments from across the continent to compete in adapted sports categories. Success at these regional competitions often serves as a key stepping stone for athletes preparing for global events like the Paralympics.