Asian Para Games 2026: India Hits 88 Medals with High Jump Sweep and Historic Records
India secures 88 medals at the Asian Para Games 2026, featuring a high jump podium sweep and historic records in athletics and archery.
India's campaign at the 5th Asian Para Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 in Japan has reached a fever pitch. By the end of Day 4, the Indian contingent has surged to a total of 88 medals, consisting of 21 gold, 26 silver, and 41 bronze. This stellar performance has propelled India to the fourth position in the overall standings, driven by record-shattering feats in Para Athletics, Para Archery, and Para Swimming.
Para Athletics: A Golden Streak and Record-Breaking Leaps
The athletics track and field events were the highlight of the day, where Indian athletes displayed absolute dominance. In a repeat of their 2022 success, India achieved a magnificent podium sweep in the Men’s High Jump T42/T63. Shailesh Kumar claimed the gold and set a new Games Record with a jump of 1.89m, while Varun Singh Bhati took silver (1.84m) and Rahul secured the bronze (1.81m).
The records didn't stop there. Solairaj Dharmaraj delivered a powerhouse performance in the Men’s Long Jump T44/T62/T64, leaping 7.15m to set a new Asian Record, eclipsing his own 2025 mark of 7.08m. Having already won gold in 2022, Solairaj has cemented his status as a continental giant.
Other notable achievements in athletics include:
- Suvarna Raj: Gold in Women’s Discus Throw F54 with a throw of 15.66m.
- Dilip Mahadu Gavit: Gold in Men’s 400m T47 with a blistering time of 48.27 seconds.
- Anjanaben Bumbadiya: Gold in the Men’s 400m T47 (59.97 seconds).
- Jayanti Behera: Silver in the Men’s 400m T47 (1:00.65).
- Tejalben Damor: Silver in Women’s 400m T12 (57.60 seconds), ending her campaign with one silver and one bronze.
Para Archery: Scripting History
India witnessed a historic breakthrough in Para Archery. Debutant Swati Chaudhary made history by winning India’s first-ever medal in the Women’s W1 Individual event. In a nail-biting final against China’s Mengkan Cen, Swati fought valiantly to secure the silver medal with a 4–6 finish.
The archery glory continued as Sheetal Devi and Toman Kumar teamed up to clinch gold in the Para Compound Mixed Team event. The duo defeated Indonesia’s Teodora Audi A. Ferelly and Ken Swagumilang in a thrilling 151–148 encounter.
Para Swimming: Consistent Podium Finishes
The swimming pool also yielded significant results for Team India. Kapil Kumar secured a silver medal in the Men’s 400m Freestyle S10, clocking 4:38.44. Meanwhile, Swatik Patil earned a bronze in the Men’s 100m Breaststroke SB9 (1:13.77), and Tejas Nandkumar claimed bronze in the Men’s 100m Backstroke S7 (1:18.58), showing marked improvement from his sixth-place finish in 2022.
Looking Ahead: The Race to 100
"I am incredibly proud of the contingent’s achievement of 88 medals. This is a result of the athletes’ determination, discipline, and hard work," said Team India Head Coach Satyanarayan.
Coach Satyanarayan emphasized the growing strength of Indian para-sports and praised the collaborative effort of the athletes and support staff. With the momentum currently in their favor, the coaching staff is confident that India is on track to surpass the 100-medal milestone before the Games conclude.