JLN Stadium Secret: Navdeep Singh Credits Elite Training for Asian Para Games Bronze
Para-athlete Navdeep Singh reveals how training at SAI JLN Stadium helped him secure a bronze medal at the Asian Para Games 2026.
Indian javelin sensation Navdeep Singh has opened up about the pivotal role that the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) Stadium played in his recent success. The Paris Paralympics gold medalist secured a bronze medal in the men's javelin throw F40/F41 event at the Asian Para Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, marking a significant leap from his fourth-place finish in the 2022 edition.
The Edge of Elite Infrastructure
Speaking after his victory, Navdeep emphasized that the dedicated access to the main track and world-class facilities at the JLN Stadium were game-changers. He noted that the environment allowed athletes to acclimatize and get the precise "feel" required for high-stakes continental competition.
One of the most impressive aspects, according to Navdeep, was the management's commitment to the para-athletes. Even with the Indian Super League football matches taking place, the stadium administration prioritized the Asian Games preparations, ensuring the athletes had the space and support they needed.
"I could focus on my preparations rather than focusing on rotations and waiting for my turn," Navdeep shared, comparing the seamless experience at JLN Stadium to his training at other SAI Regional Centres in Bengaluru, Sonipat, and Gandhinagar.
A Hub for Champions
Navdeep was not alone in benefiting from the facility. A massive contingent of India's medal-winning para-athletes utilized the JLN Stadium for their final preparations. The list of stars who trained there includes Simran Sharma, Praveen Kumar, Sandeep Kumar, Pranav Soorma, Rinku Hooda, Manjeet, Nimisha Chakkungalparambil, Varun Singh Bhati, Preeti Pal, Ajeet Singh Yadav, Sandip Sanjay Sargar, and Anubhav Choudhary.
The impact was evident in the results, as para-athletes training at the facility collectively secured four gold, five silver, and four bronze medals in track and field events.
The Medal Haul: Highlights from JLN Stadium Trainees
- Gold Medalists:
- Simran Sharma: Women’s 100m and 200m T12 (both Games records).
- Sandeep Kumar: Men’s 400m T64 (World Record).
- Praveen Kumar: Men’s high jump T64.
- Pranav Soorma: Men’s club throw F51.
- Rinku Hooda: Men’s javelin throw F46.
- Silver Medalists: Manjeet (Javelin F12/F13), Nimisha Chakkungalparambil (Long Jump T47), Varun Singh Bhati (High Jump T63), Preeti Pal (100m and 200m T35), and Ajeet Singh Yadav (Javelin F46).
- Bronze Medalists: Navdeep Singh (Javelin F40/F41), Sandeep Kumar (100m T44), Sandip Sanjay Sargar (Javelin combined), and Anubhav Choudhary (100m T35).
India's Historic Performance
The success of Navdeep and his peers contributed to India's most dominant performance ever at the Asian Para Games. India finished 4th overall in the standings, hauling in a staggering 114 medals, including 30 Gold, 35 Silver, and 49 Bronze. The Para Athletics contingent was the powerhouse of the delegation, bagging 65 of those medals (22 Gold, 19 Silver, and 24 Bronze).
With more than 50 para-athletes currently utilizing the SAI JLN Stadium, Navdeep has already expressed his hope to return to the facility for the next season to continue his pursuit of excellence.