Asian Para Games 2026: India’s Medal Rush Led by Sachin Khilari and Nishad Kumar

India’s Para-Athletes Shine in Nagoya with Historic Medal Sweep and Double Gold
Asian Para Games 2026: India’s Medal Rush Continues
Nagoya, October 21, 2026: India continued its impressive campaign at the Asian Para Games 2026 with a series of medal-winning performances in athletics and other sports. The latest highlights included a complete Indian sweep of the men’s shot put F46 podium, a Games-record throw by Sachin Khilari and two gold medals for high-jump star Nishad Kumar.
The performances have underlined India’s growing strength in para-sports, with athletes delivering across track and field, shooting, swimming, table tennis and other disciplines at the Aichi-Nagoya Games in Japan.
India had reached 35 medals, including nine gold, 11 silver and 15 bronze, after the previous day’s competitions. Further success on October 21 pushed the country’s tally higher, with India climbing to fifth place and reaching 46 medals in reports published during the morning.
Sachin Khilari Leads Historic Shot Put Podium Sweep
One of the biggest highlights came in the men’s shot put F46 event, where Indian athletes secured all three medals.
Sachin Sarjerao Khilari won gold with a best throw of 15.87 metres on his sixth and final attempt. The effort broke the previous Asian Para Games record of 15.67 metres and helped him defend the title he had won at the previous edition.
Mohd Yasser secured silver with a throw of 15.06 metres, while Parveen claimed bronze with 14.94 metres. The result gave India a clean sweep of the event’s podium, an exceptional achievement at a major continental competition.
Khilari, who also won silver at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, demonstrated composure under pressure by saving his best attempt for the final round. His record-breaking performance was another significant moment for Indian para-athletics.
The F46 classification includes field athletes with certain upper-limb impairments who compete in standing events. The category demands strength, balance and technical precision to generate power during the throw.
Nishad Kumar Wins Two Gold Medals
Nishad Kumar was another standout performer, becoming only the third Indian athlete to win two gold medals in a single edition of the Asian Para Games.
After winning the men’s T47 long jump title, Nishad captured gold in the men’s T47 high jump with a clearance of 2.04 metres, setting a new Games record.
His double-gold achievement places him alongside para-runner Ankur Dhama and archer Sheetal Devi, who previously secured two gold medals each at the same edition of the Games.
Nishad’s success is especially notable because he is best known for his high-jump achievements, yet he also proved his ability to excel in the long jump. His performances have strengthened India’s medal campaign and highlighted the versatility of its para-athletes.
India’s Para-Athletics Team Delivers 14 Medals
India’s track-and-field contingent produced a remarkable 14-medal haul on October 20, comprising five gold, four silver and five bronze medals. The performance took India’s total para-athletics medal count to 20 at that stage of the competition.
Deepthi Jeevanji won gold in the women’s 400-metre T20 event, recording a Games-best time of 56.36 seconds. Devender Kumar and Pranav Soorma also contributed gold medals in discus throw events, while Simran Sharma won the women’s 200-metre T12 title.
The breadth of India’s success has been an important feature of the campaign. Rather than relying on a handful of established names, athletes from different disciplines have contributed to the country’s growing medal tally.
The results also reflect the progress of Indian para-sports, where athletes continue to improve their performances and compete strongly against leading competitors from across Asia.
India’s Overall Medal Tally and Standings
India’s medal tally has continued to rise as the Games progress. By the morning of October 21, the country had reached 46 medals, comprising 12 gold, 16 silver and 18 bronze, according to live competition updates.
The medal count remains subject to change as events continue throughout the day. India’s performances in athletics have played a major role in the rise, while shooting, swimming, powerlifting and table tennis have also contributed valuable podium finishes.
The country’s results are particularly encouraging as India seeks to build on its record 111-medal performance at the previous Asian Para Games in Hangzhou. Sustaining this momentum will depend on continued consistency across individual and team events.
What India’s Performance Means for Para-Sports
The latest achievements at the Asian Para Games 2026 demonstrate the depth and competitiveness of India’s para-athletics programme. Khilari’s record-breaking throw, Nishad Kumar’s double gold and the wider medal haul represent important milestones for athletes and the country’s sporting ambitions.
Beyond the medal table, these performances highlight the importance of athlete development, access to training and competition opportunities, and continued support for para-sports.
With several events still underway, India has further opportunities to add to its tally and improve its standing. The focus now turns to maintaining performance levels across the remaining competitions and converting the team’s strong start into another memorable Asian Para Games campaign.
India’s medal rush in Nagoya is already providing plenty of reasons for celebration, while the athletes’ achievements continue to raise the profile of para-sports across the country.

