Double Gold & World Record: Mona Agarwal Shines at Asian Para Games
Para-shooter Mona Agarwal celebrates a historic double gold and world record at the Asian Para Games 2026. Read her inspiring journey here.
India's para-shooting sensation Mona Agarwal has returned home as a national hero after a breathtaking performance at the Asian Para Games 2026. With two gold medals and a world record to her name, Agarwal was among the contingent of athletes who received a grand welcome at the Delhi Airport, celebrating a campaign that redefined India's presence on the global para-sports stage.
A Historic Haul: Records and Gold
Mona Agarwal's dominance in the shooting range was absolute. She secured gold in two major categories, leaving a trail of broken records in her wake:
- Women's 10m Air Rifle SH1: Mona established new Asian Para Games records in both the qualification round and the final, posting impressive scores of 629.1 and 250.0 respectively.
- Women's 50m Rifle Three Positions SH1: In a stunning display of precision, she didn't just win gold but set a new world record with a score of 357.5.
Reflecting on her journey, Agarwal described the achievement as "massive," noting that serving as the flag-bearer for the Indian contingent was a dream come true.
Gratitude and Support Systems
Despite the individual glory, the para-shooter remained humble, attributing her success to a robust support network. Speaking to ANI, she dedicated her medals to her family, her coaches, and the entire team.
"I dedicate these medals to my family and the entire team, whose support helped me win these medals," she stated.
Agarwal also highlighted the critical role of institutional backing. She is currently a beneficiary of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) under the Sports Authority of India (SAI). Additionally, she credited the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) for providing a dedicated support team and covering her expenses, allowing her to focus entirely on her performance.
India's Record-Breaking Campaign
Mona's success was a cornerstone of India's most successful Asian Para Games campaign to date. India concluded the event with a staggering total of 114 medals, comprising:
- 30 Gold
- 35 Silver
- 49 Bronze
Efficiency Over Volume
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that India surpassed its previous tally of 108 medals despite sending a significantly smaller contingent. While 309 athletes competed in the previous edition at Hangzhou, only 168 para-athletes represented India at the Aichi-Nagoya Games. This shift indicates a higher strike rate and a rise in the quality of training and performance across multiple disciplines.
The Indian contingent's performance in Japan was characterized by podium sweeps and world-record displays, cementing the country's status as a powerhouse in para-sports.