'They Inspire Me Every Day': Abhinav Bindra Hails India's Record Asian Para Games Run
Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra hails India's record 114-medal haul at the Asian Para Games, calling the athletes a daily source of inspiration.
Olympic gold medallist and legendary shooter Abhinav Bindra has expressed his profound admiration for India's para-athletes following their historic performance at the Asian Para Games. Bindra noted that the grit and determination shown by the athletes have brought immense pride to the country and serve as a constant source of personal inspiration for him.
A Historic Medal Haul
India concluded its campaign at the Asian Para Games 2026 with its most successful showing to date. The contingent secured a record-breaking total of 114 medals, marking a significant leap in the nation's continental standing. The medal tally included:
- Gold: 30
- Silver: 35
- Bronze: 49
Despite the record-breaking number of medals, India finished the competition in fourth position overall.
Bindra's Tribute to the Athletes
Speaking to the media during the KPMG Agrasar Bharat Manch 2025, Bindra didn't hold back his praise for the competitors who surpassed India's previous best medal tally at the event.
"Well, it's absolutely incredible what our para athletes have done. I think it's incredible that they've continued to bring so much pride to India and we've bettered our all-time best at the Asian Para Games," Bindra stated. "And I think it's so inspiring—each of those athletes are so inspiring and they inspire me every day. My heartiest congratulations to each one of them."
The Reality of Competitive Sport
While celebrating the triumphs, the Olympic champion also touched upon the emotional rollercoaster that defines professional athletics. He observed that the campaign was a mix of stellar achievements and moments of setback, which he believes are essential for growth.
Bindra remarked that the "hits and misses" are an integral part of the sporting experience. According to him, the true essence of sport lies in the ability to learn from disappointments and strive for improvement in the subsequent attempt.
Looking Ahead to Los Angeles
With the Asian Para Games now behind them, Bindra urged the athletes to enter a phase of introspection. He emphasized the importance of analyzing their performances to identify specific areas that require refinement.
He suggested that this period of reflection is crucial as the athletes begin their preparations for the upcoming Games in Los Angeles, ensuring they use the lessons learned from this campaign to perform even better on the global stage.