Devender Kumar won the gold as India completed the podium in men’s discus throw F44/64

India swept all three medals in the men’s F44/64 discus throw at the 2026 Asian Para Games on Tuesday, with Devender Kumar winning the gold with a throw of 49.71 metres. Rakesh won the silver with 49.35 metres, while Pardeep Kumar won the bronze despite recording the competition’s longest throw of 51.15 metres.

The order was decided using the Raza point system, which takes into account the classification of the athletes. Devender finished with 781 points, just four ahead of Rakesh who scored 777. Pardeep scored 669 points for his personal best.

For Devender, the win was a moment to savor, although he admitted he had hoped to throw further. “It feels really good. It’s my first international gold medal and I’m very happy,” Devender said after the event.

Asian Para Games: October 20 Live

“I prepared very well and I’m happy to finish first. But I didn’t get the throw I expected. But today was my day and I’m happy to win a medal for India. Everything went well,” he added.

When asked about his approach before the competition, Devender said he focused on getting the longest throw possible. “I thought this was a competition and I came here to throw as far as I could. That’s what I focused on and I did my best to get there,” he said.

Devender also talked about the adjustments athletes make when competing abroad, including adjusting to weather conditions and working on technique.

“We are constantly training and learning, both technically and in other aspects. When we travel abroad, we observe various factors, including the weather and things that can affect our training or performance. We assess these challenges and work out how we can improve next time. This process of learning and improving continues,” he said.

His next goal is a medal at the World Championships. “My next goal is to win a medal at the World Championships,” Devender said.

The Indian athlete also revealed that he wanted to dedicate his medal to his son. “I would like to dedicate this medal to my son,” he said.

WHO IS DEVENDER KUMAR?

Devender hails from Kishkanda village in Charkhi Dadri district of Haryana. His father, Dharmender, is an ex-serviceman and a national-level volleyball player. Devender also played volleyball during his early years and went on to compete at the national level.

His sporting journey took a difficult turn when he was 21. Devender and his mother were involved in a serious accident that left him with multiple fractures to his left leg and hip. He underwent surgery and spent two months in the hospital.

With the support of family and friends, he gradually returned to sports. His cousin Sandeep Kumar introduced him to para-athletics and encouraged him to pursue discus. Devender started training under his guidance and won gold at the 2019 Open Nationals.

Since then, he has represented India in international competitions, including the Para Athletics World Championships and the Commonwealth Games. He won gold at the 2022 Asian Para Games and finished sixth at the 2025 World Championships.

DEVENDER KUMAR’S CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

– Gold medal, Asian Para Games 2022
– Sixth place, 2025 World Cup
– Fifth place, Fazza World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2022
– Gold Medals, Indian Open 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025
– Silver medals, Indian Open 2021 and 2026

WHAT ARE F44 AND F64 CLASSIFICATIONS?

F44 and F64 are classifications for para-athletes with lower limb disabilities. F44 athletes compete without a prosthesis, while F64 athletes compete with a prosthesis. In combined events, the Raza points system helps determine the final ranking by taking into account the classification and performances of the athletes.

– The end