Double Gold Glory: Nishad Kumar Calls Para Asian Games Win a Dream Come True
Para-athlete Nishad Kumar celebrates a dream come true with two gold medals at the Para Asian Games 2026. Read his emotional journey here.
Returning to India as a national hero, para-athlete Nishad Kumar shared his overwhelming emotions after securing two gold medals at the Para Asian Games 2026. Upon his arrival at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on Monday, the athlete described the feat as a "dream come true," marking a historic milestone in his sporting career.
A Masterclass in Athletics
Nishad Kumar's campaign was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing his versatility across different field events. Despite making his international debut in the long jump, he stunned the competition in the men's long jump T47, securing gold with a leap of 7.11 metres.
Not stopping there, the high jump specialist dominated the men's high jump T47. He cleared 2.04 metres to not only win his second gold medal but also to establish a new Games record. His exceptional performance earned him the prestigious honor of being India's flag-bearer during the closing ceremony of the Games.
Joining an Elite Circle
For Nishad, the victory was made even sweeter by the realization of its rarity. Speaking to ANI, he expressed his delight at discovering that he is only the third Indian athlete to ever win two gold medals in a single edition of the Games.
With this achievement, Nishad joins an exclusive list of Indian sporting legends, including para-runner Ankur Dhama and armless archer Sheetal Devi. Para-shooter Mona Agarwal, who served as co-flag-bearer, also joined this elite group of double-gold winners.
"Every athlete's dream is of winning a medal in an event, and I have won two medals at these Games... it brings me immense joy to see this," Nishad stated.
Emotional Homecoming
Recalling the moment the Indian national anthem played while he stood on the podium, Nishad admitted that the experience was almost too much to process. He described feeling speechless and overwhelmed, noting that the reality of the moment felt surreal.
The Road Ahead
While celebrating his current success, Nishad is already looking toward the future. He revealed that his immediate priority is to prepare for the World Championships, after which he will begin a long-term training cycle for the competitions scheduled two years from now.
Navdeep Singh Celebrates Bronze
The homecoming celebrations at IGI Airport were shared by another star athlete, Navdeep Singh. Having won a bronze medal in the men's javelin throw F40/41, Navdeep expressed his gratitude for the support of the fans and his desire to bring glory to India annually.
Navdeep also shared his excitement regarding the recognition he receives from the government, jokingly mentioning his curiosity about what new nickname Prime Minister Narendra Modi might give him this time. He emphasized that the love and affection from the public serve as a massive motivation for all para-athletes to push their limits and bring home more medals.