Asian Para Games 2026: Anjanaben Bumbadiya Wins Gold, Jayanti Behera Takes Silver

India continued its impressive campaign at the Asian Para Games 2026 with a standout performance in the women’s 400m T47 final, where Anjanaben Bumbadiya captured the gold medal and compatriot Jayanti Behera secured silver on Thursday.

Bumbadiya crossed the finish line in 59.97 seconds, becoming the only athlete in the race to finish under one minute. Behera followed with a time of 1:00.65, ensuring a memorable Indian one-two finish. Thailand’s Sasirawan Inthachot claimed bronze in 1:02.58.

The result underlined India’s strength in para-athletics, with its athletes continuing to deliver podium finishes across track and field events at the continental competition in Japan.

Bumbadiya’s gold-winning performance was one of the highlights of India’s fourth-day campaign. Her sub-minute finish proved decisive in a competitive field and placed her at the top of the women’s 400m T47 podium.

Behera’s silver added to the significance of the result, giving India both the gold and silver medals in the same event. The achievement reflected the depth of India’s para-athletics contingent and its ability to compete successfully across different classifications.

The T47 classification is used in para-athletics for athletes with an impairment affecting one arm, including below- or above-elbow limb deficiency or impaired muscle power. Events are conducted under classification rules designed to group athletes according to the impact of their impairment on sporting performance.

India’s success in the women’s 400m T47 came amid a strong showing in other para-athletics events.

Tejalben Damor added a silver medal in the women’s 400m T12 event, providing another notable result for the Indian track team. In the men’s high jump T63, Shailesh Kumar won gold with a Games-record performance, while Varun Singh Bhati secured silver and Rahul took bronze. The Indian trio completed a clean sweep of the podium in the event.

These results reinforced para-athletics as a major contributor to India’s medal campaign, with athletes producing strong performances in sprinting, middle-distance racing, jumping and throwing disciplines.

India also enjoyed major success in para-archery, led by Sheetal Devi. The Indian archer won gold in the women’s individual compound event and partnered Toman Kumar to victory in the compound mixed team competition.

Her performances strengthened India’s position in the archery events and added to a campaign marked by consistency under pressure. Swati Chaudhary also earned silver in the women’s W1 archery event, further contributing to the Indian medal tally.

The achievements across archery and athletics demonstrated the breadth of India’s challenge at the Games, with athletes competing for honours in multiple sports rather than relying on a single discipline.

India entered the fourth day of competition following a productive opening three days, during which para-athletes, archers, shooters and swimmers contributed to the national medal count. Athletics remained a particularly important source of medals, while performances in archery and other sports helped broaden the team’s success.

The latest results added fresh momentum as India pursued a strong position in the overall Asian Para Games 2026 standings. Medal-table rankings can change throughout the day as finals conclude across different venues, making the final totals dependent on the completion and confirmation of events.

Beyond the medals, the performances highlighted the dedication, preparation and competitive resilience of India’s para-athletes. Their achievements also bring greater visibility to para-sport and the opportunities available to athletes with disabilities at elite international competitions.

Bumbadiya’s gold and Behera’s silver provided a defining moment for India’s athletics team, while the high-jump podium sweep and para-archery victories added further reasons to celebrate.

As the Asian Para Games continue, India will look to build on these results across the remaining events. With athletes delivering podium finishes in several disciplines, the country’s campaign remains one to watch as the competition moves towards its conclusion.