India made a strong start to its campaign at the 5th Asian Para Games 2026, clinching 11 medals, including four gold, five silver and two bronze, on the opening day to sit fourth in the overall medal standings.
Indian para-athletes impressed across disciplines, including para shooting, para athletics, para archery and para judo, delivering medal-winning performances and record-breaking feats to set the tone for the country’s campaign at the continental event.
India’s opening-day highlights included a one-two finish in para shooting, a world record in para archery and another one-two finish in the men’s javelin throw, underlining the country’s strong showing across multiple disciplines.
India’s two-time Paralympic silver medallist Nishad Kumar clinched gold in the men’s T47 long jump at the 2026 Asian Para Games on Monday, winning the event with a best effort of 7.11m in his first international appearance in the discipline.
Congratulating him, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Kumar bagging a gold on his debut in this event makes the achievement even more special.
“Very proud of Nishad Kumar on winning Gold in the Men’s Long Jump T47 event at the Asian Para Games 2026 with an outstanding jump. Winning a Gold on his debut in this event makes the achievement even more special. His versatility, determination and sporting excellence are truly inspiring. Wishing him the very best for the endeavours ahead: PM @narendramodi,” the PMO posted on X.
Very proud of Nishad Kumar on winning Gold in the Men’s Long Jump T47 event at the Asian Para Games 2026 with an outstanding jump. Winning a Gold on his debut in this event makes the achievement even more special. His versatility, determination and sporting excellence are truly…
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 19, 2026
In para shooting, Mona Agarwal clinched gold in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 (R2), registering a score of 250.0 to establish a new Asian Para Games record.
“Congratulations to Mona Agarwal on winning Gold in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event at the Asian Para Games 2026! Thanks to her outstanding score, she has also set a new Asian Para Games Record! It is a remarkable achievement that makes India’s opening day even more special. Her precision, determination and composure are truly commendable. Wishing her continued success in the competitions ahead: PM @narendramodi.” Said PMO in a post on X.
Congratulations to Mona Agarwal on winning Gold in the Women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event at the Asian Para Games 2026! Thanks to her outstanding score, she has also set a new Asian Para Games Record! It is a remarkable achievement that makes India's opening day even more…
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 19, 2026
India’s Avani Lekhara secured silver with 249.6 points, ensuring a memorable one-two finish for the country in the event.
The victory also secured India its second quota place for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics. Mona had earlier earned a quota place at the World Shooting Para Sport World Championships in Changwon, South Korea, last month, where she won silver. Avani also secured a quota place for the Los Angeles Paralympics with her silver-medal finish.
“A splendid Silver for @AvaniLekhara! Congratulations to her on winning Silver in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event at the Asian Para Games 2026 with an impressive score. Her consistency and determination continue to make the nation proud. Best wishes for her future endeavours: PM @narendramodi,” the PMO posted on X.
A splendid Silver for @AvaniLekhara!
Congratulations to her on winning Silver in the Women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event at the Asian Para Games 2026 with an impressive score. Her consistency and determination continue to make the nation proud. Best wishes for her future…
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 19, 2026
India also witnessed a historic moment in para archery, with Sheetal Devi and Toman Kumar setting a new world record in the mixed team compound ranking round. The Indian duo combined for an impressive 1,402 points, surpassing the previous world record of 1,400 points and underlining India’s growing strength in the discipline.
In para athletics, Rinku Hooda won gold in the Men’s Javelin Throw F46 with a best effort of 65.11 metres, while Ajeet Singh secured silver with a throw of 65.02 metres. The result delivered another one-two finish for India and added valuable medals to the country’s tally.
“An outstanding display of skill and competitive spirit by Ajeet Singh. He has secured the Silver Medal in the Men’s Javelin Throw F46 event at the Asian Para Games 2026. Congrats to him. All the best to him for the endeavours ahead: PM @narendramodi,” PMO posted on X.
An outstanding display of skill and competitive spirit by Ajeet Singh. He has secured the Silver Medal in the Men’s Javelin Throw F46 event at the Asian Para Games 2026. Congrats to him. All the best to him for the endeavours ahead: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 19, 2026
“A great accomplishment for Rinku Hooda! With a spectacular season-best throw of 65.11m, Rinku has won the Gold in the Men’s Javelin Throw F46 event at the Asian Para Games 2026! His exceptional performance highlights his discipline and dedication. May he continue to scale new heights: PM @narendramodi,” said PMO in a separate post on X.
A great accomplishment for Rinku Hooda! With a spectacular season-best throw of 65.11m, Rinku has won the Gold in the Men’s Javelin Throw F46 event at the Asian Para Games 2026! His exceptional performance highlights his discipline and dedication. May he continue to scale new…
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 19, 2026
At the 2022 Asian Para Games, India achieved a podium sweep in this event, with Sundar Singh Gurjar winning gold and setting a World Record of 68.60m, Rinku winning silver with 67.08m, and Ajeet Singh taking bronze with 63.52m.
Soumya Kumar continued India’s strong showing by winning gold in the Women’s 1500m T12/13 final, clocking a personal-best time of 5:12.39.
“A Golden debut indeed! Soumya has made a spectacular mark at the Asian Para Games 2026, winning Gold in the Women’s 1500m T12/13 event with a Personal Best timing too! Delivering such an exceptional performance on debut speaks volumes about her talent, dedication and determination. Congratulations to her: PM @narendramodi,” said PMO in a post on X.
A Golden debut indeed!
Soumya has made a spectacular mark at the Asian Para Games 2026, winning Gold in the Women’s 1500m T12/13 event with a Personal Best timing too!
Delivering such an exceptional performance on debut speaks volumes about her talent, dedication and…
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 19, 2026
Radha Venkatesh followed her compatriot across the finish line to claim silver in 5:30.90, completing another memorable result for the Indian contingent.
The result was particularly significant for Radha, who had finished first in the same event at the 2022 Asian Para Games with a time of 5:19.35. However, the event was held as a non-medal competition on that occasion due to the limited number of participants.
“A wonderful achievement by Radha Venkatesh! Proud of her for winning the Silver Medal in the Women’s 1500m T12/13 event at the Asian Para Games 2026. India celebrates her success. I wish her the very best for many more achievements in the future: PM @narendramodi,” read the PMO post on X.
https://x.com/PMOIndia/status/2112219169630654761?s=20
In para judo, Kokila secured a silver medal, adding to India’s growing medal count on the opening day. Kapil Parmar, meanwhile, registered an important quarterfinal victory in the Men’s J1 -70kg category as he continued his campaign.
“Congratulations to Kokila on winning the Silver Medal in the Women’s J2 -52kg Judo event at the Asian Para Games 2026! From Bronze at the previous Asian Para Games to Silver in a new category, her journey reflects remarkable perseverance, dedication and determination. Wishing her continued success in the years ahead: PM @narendramodi,” the PMO posted on X.
Congratulations to Kokila on winning the Silver Medal in the Women’s J2 -52kg Judo event at the Asian Para Games 2026! From Bronze at the previous Asian Para Games to Silver in a new category, her journey reflects remarkable perseverance, dedication and determination. Wishing her…
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 19, 2026
18-year-old Ravi Karthik Budigina secured silver in the men’s 100m freestyle S13, clocking 56.80 seconds.
“A special Silver for India! Congratulations to Ravi K. Budigina on winning the Silver Medal in the Men’s 100m Freestyle S13 event at the Asian Para Games 2026. His determination, hard work and sporting spirit are truly commendable. This achievement is a proud moment for the nation. Wishing him continued success in the times ahead: PM @narendramodi”
A special Silver for India! Congratulations to Ravi K. Budigina on winning the Silver Medal in the Men’s 100m Freestyle S13 event at the Asian Para Games 2026. His determination, hard work and sporting spirit are truly commendable. This achievement is a proud moment for the…
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 19, 2026
Ravanni Valasanaini clinched the bronze medal in the Women’s 1500m T11 final with a personal best time of 5:41.85.
At the 2022 Asian Para Games, India secured two medals in this event, with Radha Venkatesh winning gold in 5:21.45 and Lalitha Kilaka claiming silver in 5:48.85.
With four gold, five silver and two bronze medals, India ended the opening day in fourth place in the overall standings, behind China, Japan and Uzbekistan.
The opening-day performance reflects the preparation, determination and competitive spirit of India’s para-athletes, who have arrived in Aichi-Nagoya aiming to deliver a strong performance against the continent’s best.
As competition continues through October 24, India will look to build on this promising start, with its athletes targeting further podium finishes and new milestones across the remaining days of the Games.
The 5th Asian Para Games are being held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from October 18 to 24, 2026, bringing together para-athletes from across Asia to compete across multiple sports. India has fielded 168 athletes across 11 sports, with the contingent aiming to make a strong impact at the continental event.
-With inputs from ANI, PIB
