Gold, Records, and Tears of Joy: Para Asian Games Stars Return Home
Para Asian Games gold medalist Sachin Khilari and bronze winner Sandip Sargar arrive in Pune after a record-breaking campaign for India.
The atmosphere at Pune airport was electric on Wednesday morning as the city welcomed back two of its sporting heroes, Para Asian Games gold medalist Sachin Khilari and bronze medalist Sandip Sargar. Returning from a historic campaign, the athletes shared their emotional journeys and the drive that led them to the podium.
Sachin Khilari: A Golden Debut and a Daughter's Blessing
Sachin Khilari didn't just win gold in the men's Shot Put F46; he dominated the event from the very first second. Khilari set a new Games Record with a massive throw of 15.79 metres on his opening attempt. Showing incredible consistency, every single one of his throws in the competition exceeded the 15-metre mark.
Speaking to ANI upon his arrival, Khilari revealed that settling for anything less than the top spot was never an option. "I had set a target to perform exceptionally well at the Asian Games; winning gold was definitely the goal," he stated.
Beyond the technical precision, Khilari credited a deeply personal motivation for his success. The athlete expressed that the good wishes of his seven-month-old daughter played a pivotal role in his victory. For him, the pinnacle of the experience was the emotional moment of hearing the national anthem play while standing on the podium.
What's Next for Khilari?
With the Asian gold now secured, Khilari is not slowing down. He has already shifted his gaze toward the global stage, announcing that his primary focus is now the upcoming World Championships.
Sandip Sargar: Pride in the Tricolour
While Khilari claimed the gold, Sandip Sargar delivered a powerhouse performance in the men's Javelin Throw F42–F44/F61–F64 final. Sargar secured a bronze medal with a throw of 64.48 metres. In doing so, he etched his name into the history books by setting a new Games Record specifically for the T44 category, earning 1,006 points.
For Sargar, the medal was a symbol of a much larger journey. He described the act of representing India as his "greatest" achievement, noting the immense pride he felt being part of a massive national contingent at a continental event.
"Playing for India is the greatest thing for me... To win a bronze medal as part of such a large contingent at the Asian Games is a matter of great pride for me," Sargar shared.
Sargar was quick to deflect the sole glory onto his support system, acknowledging that his family and his coaching team were the backbone of his success throughout the grueling journey to the podium.
A Historic Haul for India
The achievements of Khilari and Sargar were part of a larger, record-breaking narrative for India at the Asian Para Games 2026. The Indian contingent concluded its campaign with an unprecedented haul of 114 medals.
The final medal tally for India included:
- Gold: 30
- Silver: 35
- Bronze: 49
The games were marked by historic victories, podium sweeps, and several world-record performances, cementing India's growing dominance in para-athletics on the international stage.