Asian Para Games: Himanshu Grabs Bronze, Archery Duo Set for Gold Clash
Himanshu Nandal wins bronze in swimming as Sheetal Devi and Payal Nag storm into the archery final at the Asian Para Games.
India continues its impressive run at the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, adding more glory to its tally. Para-swimmer Himanshu Nandal has secured a bronze medal in the men's 400m freestyle S11 event, while the powerhouse duo of Sheetal Devi and Payal Nag have marched into the final of the para-archery compound doubles, setting the stage for a gold medal showdown.
Himanshu Nandal Shines in the Pool
In a grueling four-man final, Himanshu Nandal clocked a time of 5:10.91 to claim the bronze medal. While he finished 32 seconds behind Japan's silver medallist Uchu Tomita and 45 seconds behind China's Chuanzhen Sun—who set a new Asian record to take gold—Himanshu's achievement marks India's second medal in para-swimming for this edition.
Another Indian swimmer, Ravi Karthik Budigina, who had previously won silver in the 100m freestyle S13, competed in the 400m freestyle S13 event, where he finished sixth with a timing of 5:41.70.
Archery Duo Eyes Top Spot
The excitement is peaking in para-archery as Sheetal Devi and Payal Nag dominated their semifinal match. The Indian pair defeated Thailand's Phannibha Srathongmaew and Wasana Khuthawisap with a convincing score of 151–135.
This victory guarantees India a medal and sets up a high-stakes final against China. The gold medal match is scheduled for October 21, starting from 5:55 AM IST, as the duo aims to bring home the top prize.
Shooting and Powerlifting Success
India's shooting contingent also added to the medal count. Shristi Arora clinched a bronze in the women's 10m air pistol SH1 category with a score of 214.7, finishing behind Iran's Faezeh Ahmadi (gold) and Sareh Javanmardi (silver).
In the men's 10m air pistol SH1, Manish Narwal secured a silver medal with a score of 233.7. Despite starting fifth in the qualification round, a strong second series of 49.8 propelled him onto the podium. He finished behind South Korea's world record holder Jo Jeongdu. Fellow Indian Rudranksh Khandelwal, who has already qualified for the Los Angeles Paralympics 2028, finished seventh in the same event.
Adding to the strength of the contingent, Ashok claimed a silver medal in the men's 65kg para-powerlifting event with a best lift of 192kg, finishing second to China's Zou Yi, who lifted 216kg for gold.
Table Tennis Milestones
The para-table tennis arena saw a historic moment as Baby Sahana Ravi won a bronze medal in the women's singles Class 9. This marks India's first-ever medal in the standing category of para-table tennis at the Asian Para Games. Prachi Pandey also secured a bronze in the women's singles Class 6 after her semifinal match against Iraq.
Additionally, Jehan Madan earned a silver medal in the men's singles class 1, finishing fourth in a five-man group.
India's Medal Standing
With these latest achievements, India's overall tally at the Asian Para Games has reached 24 medals, consisting of:
- Gold: 5
- Silver: 8
- Bronze: 11