Indian Para-Archers Shine with Silver at Asian Para Games 2026

Indian para-archers Sheetal Devi and Payal Nag have made history by winning a silver medal in the women's compound doubles event at the Asian Para Games 2026. Despite a tough final against China's Xueqing Xu and Jing Zhao, the duo's performance marks India's first medal in para-archery at these Games. Additionally, Anubhav Choudhary secured a bronze in the men's 100m T35 event, contributing to India's growing medal tally. With these achievements, India stands sixth overall in the medal standings, showcasing the nation's strength in para-sports.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 21, 2026, 07:25 IST

Historic Silver for Indian Para-Archers

In Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on October 21, Indian para-archers Sheetal Devi and Payal Nag achieved a remarkable feat by securing the silver medal in the women's compound doubles event at the Asian Para Games 2026. They faced a tough challenge in the final against China's Xueqing Xu and Jing Zhao, ultimately losing with a score of 141-150.

The Indian duo had an impressive start, topping the ranking round, but struggled to find their rhythm during the decisive match, allowing the Chinese archers to dominate and clinch the gold.

This silver medal marks a significant milestone as it is India's first medal in para-archery at these Games, contributing to the nation's overall medal tally.

Additionally, India celebrated a bronze medal in para-athletics, with Anubhav Choudhary finishing third in the men's 100m T35 event, clocking a personal best of 12.72 seconds.

Indian sprinter Simran Sharma also made headlines by advancing to the final of the women's 100m T12 event, winning her heat in a record-setting 12.13 seconds. She had previously secured the women's 200m title on Tuesday.

With these outstanding performances, India has raised its total medal count to 37, placing sixth in the overall standings at the Asian Para Games 2026.

At just 19 years old, Sheetal is recognized as one of India's top para-archers, having previously won a bronze medal in the mixed team compound event at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, making her the youngest Paralympic medallist from India.

Payal, hailing from Balangir in Odisha, has shown incredible resilience, overcoming the loss of all four limbs due to an electrocution accident at the age of eight. She began her journey in archery under the guidance of coach Kuldeep Vedwan at the Maata Vaishno Devi Shrine Archery Academy in Katra.

The silver medal won by this talented duo has provided a significant boost to India's para-archery campaign, while Anubhav's personal best further enhances the country's medal prospects in Nagoya.