Gujarat's Para-Athletes Conquer Japan: 8 Medals Secured at 2026 Asian Para Games
Gujarat's para-athletes secure 8 medals, including gold, at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Japan. Read about the champions from Sabarkantha, Mehsana, and more.
Gujarat has etched its name in sporting history once again as its athletes delivered a powerhouse performance at the 5th Asian Para Games. Held across Japan’s Aichi Prefecture and the city of Nagoya, the event saw Gujarat's contingent bring home a total of eight medals, comprising one gold, two silver, and five bronze medals, bringing immense pride to both the state and the nation.
The Golden Girl of Sabarkantha
Leading the charge for Gujarat was Anjanaben Rohit Bumbadiya. Hailing from Sabarkantha, Anjanaben dominated the women’s 400m T47 para-athletics competition, clocking an impressive time of 59.97 seconds to secure the gold medal.
Multi-Medal Mastery
The spirit of Sabarkantha was further elevated by Tejalben Amarji Damor, who displayed incredible versatility by winning two medals. She clinched the silver in the women’s 400m T12 event with a time of 57.60 seconds and added a bronze to her tally in the women’s 200m T12 competition, finishing in 25.23 seconds.
From Bhavnagar, Rakesh Dhanjibhai Bhatt also proved to be a force to be reckoned with in Para Athletics. He secured two bronze medals, showcasing his speed in the men’s 100m T37 (11.50 seconds) and the 200m T37 (23.64 seconds).
Leaping to Success
Nimisha from Gandhinagar added to the silver tally with a stellar performance in the T47 long jump competition at the CSA Para Athletics, leaping a distance of 5.37 metres. Nimisha's journey has been strongly backed by the state government, which provided her with Rs 5 lakh for her 2023 Asian Games participation and a substantial Rs 30 lakh reward for her gold medal win at the 2023 Hangzhou Games.
Table Tennis Triumphs
The table tennis arena also saw Gujarat's athletes shine through:
- Bhavinaben Hasmukhbhai Patel from Mehsana won a bronze medal in the women’s singles Class 4–5 Para Table Tennis. An Arjuna Awardee, Bhavinaben has been a consistent global representative for India. The state government has supported her with Rs 5 lakh for the 2023 Asian Games, Rs 10 lakh for the 2024 Paris Olympics, and a reward of Rs 50 lakh for her medal at the 2023 Asian Games.
- Sonalben Manubhai Patel from Ahmedabad secured a bronze medal in the women’s singles Class 3 Para Table Tennis. She also received state financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for the 2023 Asian Games and Rs 10 lakh for her participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
A Culture of Support
These achievements come amidst a broader push for sports development in India under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In Gujarat, the state government, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, has remained committed to the all-round development of athletes through financial incentives and encouragement.
The success of these athletes at the 2026 Asian Para Games is a testament to their grit and determination. Their victories are expected to serve as a beacon of inspiration for other Divyang athletes across the country, urging them to showcase their capabilities on the global stage.