PM Modi congratulates Indian Asian Paralympic contingent for record medal haul

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated India’s para-athletes on Sunday, October 25, a day after the 2026 Asian Para Games ended, after the contingent recorded its best-ever medal tally at the continental event. India ended the Nagoya Games with a record 114 medals, including 30 gold, 35 silver and 49 bronze.

In a post at X, Modi lauded the athletes for their determination and said their performances had brought immense pride to the country.

“What an extraordinary achievement by our para-athletes at the just concluded 2026 Asian Para Games!

“With a record 114 medals, this marks India’s best ever performance at the Games. It is an occasion of immense pride and joy for the entire nation!

“I congratulate each and every member of our contingent for their exceptional determination. Each athlete has contributed to this historic achievement and has inspired countless Indians with their achievements,” Modi wrote.

INDIA BETTER PREVIOUS BEST IN NAGOYA

India surpassed its all-time high of 108 medals achieved at the 2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, improving its gold medal tally from 27 to 30. The contingent finished fourth in the medal standings behind China, Japan and Uzbekistan.

The achievement was particularly significant given that India competed with a 168-member contingent, almost half the size of its team in the previous edition. Athletes worked across disciplines, with para-athletics emerging as the biggest contributor to India’s medal tally.

India collected 65 medals in para athletics, including 22 gold, 19 silver and 24 bronze. Para-badminton was another major contributor with 16 medals, while para-swimming added 11.

Para-archery contributed six medals, including three gold, while para-shooting accounted for five medals, two gold. India also won medals in Para-Table Tennis, Para-Judo and Para-Powerlifting.

PARA-ATHLETES RISE IN CAMPAIGN OF INDIA

Several outstanding performances helped India set a new benchmark in Nagoya. On the final day of competition, the contingent added nine gold medals, breaking the previous record.

Para-shooter Mona Agarwal won two gold medals, including one with a world record in the women’s 50m rifle SH1 3 positions. She had earlier won gold in the SH1 women’s 10m air rifle event with a Games record score.

In para athletics, Sandeep set a world record in the men’s 400m T64 final, winning the gold in 52.28 seconds. Haney also set a world record in the men’s F37/38 javelin final, winning with a throw of 60.49 meters.

Reigning Paralympic and world champion Sumit Antil led India’s smash in the men’s javelin, while Pranav Soorma won gold in the men’s club throw with a performance of 32.87 metres.

Indian para-badminton players also made a significant contribution to the medal fight on the last day. Nitesh Kumar won the men’s singles SL3 title after defeating compatriot Pramod Bhagat, while Naveen Sivakumar won gold in men’s singles SL4. Thulasimathi Murugesan also ended her campaign with gold in women’s doubles SL3-SU5 alongside Manasi Joshi.

The record medal haul capped off a strong campaign for India, where athletes across disciplines contributed to the country’s best-ever performance at the Asian Para Games.

– The end