Para Asian Games 2026: Rinku Hooda Grabs Gold as India Sweeps Top Two in Javelin
India secures a thrilling one-two finish in the Men's Javelin Throw F46 at the Para Asian Games 2026 with Rinku Hooda claiming gold.
India showcased its dominance in para-athletics at the Para Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, securing a spectacular double podium finish in the Men’s Javelin Throw F46. In a nail-biting competition that came down to mere centimeters, Rinku Hooda clinched the gold medal, while his compatriot Ajeet Singh Yadav took home the silver.
A Thrilling Battle for Gold
The competition was an intense duel between the two Indian athletes, who left the rest of the field far behind. Rinku Hooda delivered a powerhouse performance, securing the gold medal with a best throw of 65.11 metres.
The margin of victory was razor-thin. Ajeet Singh Yadav pushed Rinku to the limit, recording a throw of 65.02 metres. Finishing just nine centimetres short of the top spot, Ajeet secured the silver medal, ensuring India occupied the top two steps of the podium.
Rounding out the medals, Saktyono R from Indonesia claimed the bronze with a throw of 55.30 metres, trailing significantly behind the dominant Indian pair.
Continuing a Legacy of Excellence
This one-two finish reinforces India's growing strength in the F46 javelin category. The duo's success follows a historic performance at the 2022 Asian Para Games, where India achieved a complete podium sweep. In that edition, Sundar Singh Gurjar had won gold with a World Record of 68.60m, while Rinku Hooda and Ajeet Singh had secured silver and bronze respectively.
More Glory for India in Aichi-Nagoya
The javelin success was part of a golden day for the Indian contingent. Two-time Paralympic silver medallist Nishad Kumar added another gold to India's tally in the men's T47 long jump. In a surprising and dominant turn, Nishad—who is primarily known for his high jump prowess—made his first international appearance in the long jump discipline and won with a leap of 7.11m.
Adding to the medal haul, Ravi Karthik Budigina displayed exceptional skill in the pool, winning a silver medal in the men's 100m freestyle S13 swimming event.