India made a strong start at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, winning six medals, including two gold, on the opening day of the competition. The Indian team delivered impressive performances in shooting, athletics, judo and swimming, placing the country sixth in the medal table.
The opening day’s results have given India a positive start as the athletes aim to win more medals in the days ahead. Several Indian para-athletes showcased their skills and determination against competitors from across Asia.
Mona Agarwal Wins Gold with Asian Record
Indian shooter Mona Agarwal delivered one of the day’s outstanding performances by winning gold in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event. She scored 250 points, setting a new Asian record.
Her teammate Avani Lekhara also performed well in the same event, securing the silver medal with a score of 249.6 points. The Indian pair finished first and second, giving the country two medals in the shooting competition.
Their performances highlighted India’s strength in para shooting and provided an encouraging start to the campaign.
Nishad Kumar Adds Another Gold
Nishad Kumar won India’s second gold medal in the men’s T47 long jump event. He recorded a jump of 7.11 metres to finish in first place.
His performance added to India’s medal count and strengthened the country’s position in the early standings. Nishad, who has represented India in major international para-athletics competitions, once again demonstrated his ability to compete at a high level.
The gold medal was an important achievement for the Indian athletics team on the opening day.
Silver and Bronze Medals in Other Events
India also secured medals in judo and swimming.
Kokila Kaushiklate won silver in the women’s J2 under-52kg judo category after defeating her opponent in the semifinals. Her performance helped India add another medal to its opening-day total.
Kapil Parmar claimed bronze in the men’s J1 under-70kg judo category. His result added to India’s success in the sport.
In swimming, Ravi Budigina won silver in the men’s 100m freestyle S13 event. His performance gave India another podium finish and highlighted the country’s progress in para swimming.
Together, these results brought India’s opening-day medal tally to six, with two gold, three silver and one bronze.
India Looks to Improve on Previous Performance
The 2026 Asian Para Games are being held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from October 18 to 24. Athletes from across Asia are competing in several sports, including para-athletics, shooting, swimming and judo.
India is aiming to improve on its performance at the 2022 Asian Para Games, held in Hangzhou, China, where the country won a record 111 medals. The team will look to build on its opening-day success as more Indian athletes compete in the coming events.
The competition provides an important opportunity for Indian para-athletes to demonstrate their abilities on the international stage and bring home medals for the country.
With six medals already secured, India’s campaign has begun on a positive note. The team will aim to maintain its momentum and improve its position in the overall medal standings before the competition concludes on October 24.
India’s opening-day achievements reflect the hard work and dedication of its para-athletes, who continue to make their mark in international sports.