Who is Himanshu Nandal? A para-swimmer who won a hat-trick of bronze medals at the Asian Para Games in Japan

Himanshu Nandal (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: Indian para swimmer Himanshu Nandal made a name for himself at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan by completing a hat-trick of bronze medals with another podium finish in the men’s S11 100m freestyle on Friday.The 22-year-old clocked 1 minute 5.90 seconds to finish third, behind Japan’s Uchu Tomita, who won gold in a Games record time of 58.22 seconds, and China’s Chuanzhen Sun, who took silver in 58.70 seconds.Nandal’s latest medals added to his earlier bronze finishes in the men’s S11 400m freestyle and 100m breaststroke events. He became one of India’s standout performers in para swimming when he won compatriot Ravi Budigina’s three medals at the Games, which included two silver medals and a bronze.

Who is Himanshu Nandal?

Born blind due to optic nerve failure, Nandal grew up in a sports-oriented family in Rohtak, Haryana. His father played hockey at the national level and the sport became a part of his life from an early age.At the age of four, Nandal moved to Delhi and joined the National Association of the Blind where he learned Braille. He first took up judo and then won medals at national level before switching to swimming in 2021.The change opened a new chapter in his sporting journey, as he quickly progressed from domestic competitions to the international stage.

From qualification for the Paralympic Games in Paris to medals from the Asian Para Games

Nandal achieved a major milestone in 2024 when he became the first Indian blind swimmer to meet the minimum qualification standard for the Paris Paralympics.A political science graduate of Delhi University’s Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, he continued to build on his experience against international opposition. In 2025, he reached two finals at the World Para Swimming Championships in Singapore.At the Asian Para Games, Nandal began his medal run on Tuesday with a time of 5:10.91 to secure bronze in the men’s S11 400m freestyle event. He followed that up with another third place finish in the 100m breaststroke before completing his hat trick in the 100m freestyle on Friday.Classification S11 is intended for swimmers with visual impairments, including swimmers with very low visual acuity or no perception of light.Nandal’s three-medal haul in Japan marks another milestone in his progress as an Indian para-swimmer and adds to his growing experience at major international competitions.