Nishad Kumar Smashes Record for Gold at Para Asian Games 2026
Nishad Kumar sets a new Games Record in the Men's High Jump T47 event to win gold for India at the 5th Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya.
India's para-athletics sensation Nishad Kumar has soared to new heights at the 5th Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Competing in the men’s high jump T47 event, Nishad delivered a masterclass in athleticism, clearing a staggering 2.04 metres to secure the gold medal and establish a new Games Record.
A Record-Breaking Leap
Nishad's performance was not just about the victory, but the dominance he displayed on the field. By setting a new Games Record, he has further cemented his status as a world-class competitor in the high jump discipline, bringing immense pride to the Indian contingent and strengthening the nation's standing in continental para-sports.
India's Golden Run in Para-Athletics
While Nishad stole the spotlight in the high jump, the Indian para-athletics squad enjoyed a prolific run across various categories:
- Deepthi Jeevanji: Claimed gold in the women’s 400m T20.
- Simran: Secured gold in the women’s 200m T12, while Tejalben Damor earned a bronze in the same event.
- Pranav Soorma: Clinched gold in the men’s discus throw F51/F52/F53, with Ram Ratan Singh taking the silver.
- Preeti Pal: Won a silver medal in the women’s 200m T35.
- Javelin Throw (F53/F54): Pradeep Kumar secured silver and Ayush Verma took home the bronze.
- Praveen Sharma: Added to the tally with a bronze in the men’s shot put F11.
Success Across Other Disciplines
India's success at the Aichi-Nagoya games extended far beyond the athletics track, showing a diverse range of talent across multiple sports.
Powerlifting and Shooting
In para-powerlifting, Ashok secured a silver medal in the up to 65kg category. The shooting range also saw Indian flags flying high, with Manish Narwal winning silver in the men’s 10m air pistol SH1 and Shrishti Arora claiming bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol SH1.
Table Tennis and Swimming
The para-table tennis team showed great consistency, with Sonalben Patel, Bhavina Patel, Prachi Pandey, Sahana Ravi, and Jehan Madan all reaching the podium to secure bronze medals. In the pool, Himanshu Nandal won bronze in the men’s 400m freestyle S11, and Niranjan Mukundan earned bronze in the men’s 200m individual medley SM7.
Ongoing Battles and Future Prospects
The momentum continues for the Indian contingent in other ongoing events. In para-badminton, Nitesh Kumar, Pramod Bhagat, and Sanjana Kumari have all successfully navigated their quarterfinals to advance in the singles matches.
Meanwhile, the para-archery team is making significant strides. Sheetal Devi has reached the final of the women’s individual compound event, and several other Indian teams have progressed through the knockout rounds or advanced to their respective finals.
Beyond the medals, India has recorded numerous top-eight finishes across swimming, powerlifting, and athletics, highlighting the depth and breadth of the country's para-sports program.