Indian para-athletes delivered a dominant performance on the second day of competition at the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, securing a total of 14 medals. The haul, which included five gold, four silver, and five bronze, has elevated India's tally in para-athletics to 20 medals, positioning the country second only to China, which leads with 23 medals.
A standout achievement of the day was recorded by Nishad Kumar, who claimed the top spot in the men's high jump T47 event. With a leap of 2.04 metres, Kumar not only secured his second gold of the Games—having previously won the long jump T47 on Monday—but also established a new Games record. This victory makes him the third Indian athlete to achieve the rare feat of winning two gold medals in a single edition of the Asian Para Games, following in the footsteps of para-runner Ankur Dhama and archer Sheetal Devi, who accomplished the milestone during the previous games in Hangzhou.
The day’s gold rush began with Deepthi Jeevanji, who asserted her dominance in the women’s 400m T20 event for athletes with intellectual impairments. Jeevanji clocked a new Games record of 56.36 seconds to secure her second consecutive Asian Para Games gold medal. The 23-year-old from Telangana, who already holds the Asian record, continues to build on a decorated career that includes a gold medal from the 2024 Para World Championships.
In the women's 200m T12 competition, veteran sprinter Simran Sharma secured her maiden gold medal at the continental event, setting a new Games record with a time of 24.80 seconds. Her teammate Tejalben Damor, competing in her first continental appearance, finished third to earn a bronze medal. These successes underscore the depth of talent currently representing India in para-sports, as athletes continue to break records despite facing significant personal challenges and disabilities.
The Indian contingent also showed exceptional strength in the throwing events. Pranav Soorma claimed gold in the men's discus throw combined F51/52/53 event with an Asian record throw of 11.66 metres, leading a 1-2 finish for India alongside silver medallist Ram Ratan Singh. Soorma, who previously excelled at the 2024 Paralympics and the last Asian Para Games, overcame a life-altering spinal cord injury sustained at the age of 16 to pursue a successful career as both an athlete and an academic.
Furthermore, India achieved a clean sweep in the men's discus throw F44/64 event. Devender Kumar secured the gold medal with a throw of 49.71 metres in a competitive four-athlete field, while compatriots Rakesh and Pardeep Kumar rounded out the podium by taking silver and bronze, respectively.
These performances have placed India in a strong position on the medal table. The team's collective effort in Nagoya serves as a continuation of their recent success on the global stage. As the competition progresses, the focus remains on the consistency of these athletes, many of whom have demonstrated immense resilience in their journeys toward elite-level para-sports. The current tally reflects not only the individual dedication of the athletes but also the growing infrastructure supporting para-athletics within the country.
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