Record-Breaking Glory: Indian Para-Athletes Return Home After Historic Asian Para Games 2026
India finishes 4th with a record 114 medals at the Asian Para Games 2026. Read the reflections of gold and silver winners upon their return.
India has scripted history at the Asian Para Games 2026 in Japan, concluding the continental event with an unprecedented medal haul. The Indian contingent returned to the Delhi airport to a rousing welcome, celebrating a record-breaking performance that saw the country secure a total of 114 medals, including 30 gold, 35 silver, and 49 bronze.
This stellar performance propelled India to a fourth-place finish in the overall medal tally, marked by world-record achievements, historic victories, and complete podium sweeps across various sporting disciplines.
Balancing Books and Badminton: Thulasimathi Murugesan's Triumph
Among the returning heroes was para-badminton star Thulasimathi Murugesan, who delivered a powerhouse performance by reaching the finals in all three of her events. Murugesan clinched a gold medal in the women's doubles (SL3-SU5) alongside Manasi Joshi, and secured silver medals in both the women's singles (SU5) and mixed doubles (SL3-SU5) with Nitesh Kumar.
For Murugesan, the victory was not just about athletic skill but about immense perseverance. While competing at the highest level, she has been pursuing studies in veterinary medicine.
"Training was so hectic and so hard, balancing both veterinary and also playing para badminton," she shared. "I was just thinking on the last day about one match at a time because I had three matches in a day."
Expressing her pride in India's fourth-place standing, she dedicated her hard-earned medals to her father.
Shooting for Silver and Powerlifting for Gold
Para shooter Avani Lekhara, who secured a silver medal in the women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 event, highlighted the growth of the Indian contingent. She noted that the team's performance had improved significantly compared to previous editions, attributing the success to the 100% effort put in by every athlete.
Lekhara expressed her gratitude to the fans and supporters who gathered at the airport, stating that continued encouragement would lead to even greater achievements in the coming years.
In the arena of strength, para powerlifter Ashok Kumar Malik celebrated a step up in his performance. Having won bronze in the previous edition, Malik upgraded his tally to a silver medal in the men's 65kg category. He credited his success to a strong support system comprising his coach, family, his village, and the Government of India, announcing that his sights are now set on the 2028 Olympics.
Table Tennis Milestones
The table tennis squad also brought home significant glory. Baby Sahana Ravi, who won bronze in the women's singles Class 9, described the achievement as a major milestone. This marked her first Asian Games medal and the first-ever medal for the standing category.
Ravi noted that this win brings a greater sense of responsibility, as she now looks forward to proving herself at the World Championships and the Olympics.
Joining her in the winners' circle was Prachi Pandey, who earned a bronze medal in the women's singles Class 6. Pandey expressed deep gratitude toward her family and her coach, Amit, as well as the staff at SAI Gandhi Nagar for their unwavering support throughout her journey.
India's Final Medal Tally at Asian Para Games 2026:
- Gold: 30
- Silver: 35
- Bronze: 49
- Total: 114
- Overall Rank: 4th