Tejalben Damor Shines at Asian Para Games 2026 with Bronze in 200m T12

Tejalben Damor, a visually impaired sprinter from Gujarat, made a remarkable debut at the Asian Para Games 2026 by winning a bronze medal in the women's 200m T12 event. Clocking a personal best of 25.23 seconds, she showcased her determination and hard work. Tejalben dedicated her success to her coach, highlighting the challenges she faced along her journey. With her main event, the 400m T12, approaching, she feels more confident than ever. India's overall performance at the games has also been impressive, with a total of 35 medals. Read on to discover more about Tejalben's inspiring story and her journey in para-athletics.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 20, 2026, 22:47 IST

Tejalben Damor's Remarkable Achievement

Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], October 20: Tejalben Damor, a visually impaired sprinter training at the Sports Authority of India's National Centre of Excellence (SAI NCoE) in Gandhinagar, has made headlines by securing a bronze medal in the women's 200m T12 event at the Asian Para Games 2026 held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

The 24-year-old athlete from Gujarat made her debut at this prestigious continental competition, achieving a podium finish and setting a personal best, showcasing her growth on the international athletics scene.

Tejalben recorded a time of 25.25 seconds in the heats, finishing second in her heat to advance to the finals. She improved her performance in the final, clocking 25.23 seconds, surpassing her previous best of 25.47 seconds, which she achieved while winning gold at the Dubai Para Athletics Grand Prix in September 2026.

This bronze medal and her personal best highlight the dedication and hard work she has put into her training. It marks a significant achievement in her athletic career and emphasizes her rising profile in the world of para-athletics.

After her medal-winning performance, an emotional Tejalben expressed her gratitude towards her coach, Nitin Choudhary, recognizing the immense effort and personal sacrifices that played a crucial role in her success.

"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to my coach. This medal is a result of tremendous hard work and discipline. Even on Sundays, which were meant for rest, my coach ensured our training continued. If we had a session planned, he was always there. I owe him my deepest gratitude," Tejalben stated, as reported by SAI.

Reflecting on her journey, Tejalben candidly discussed the obstacles her family faced and the determination that fueled her aspirations. Hailing from a humble background in Dahod, Gujarat, she acknowledged the challenges encountered along the way while emphasizing her commitment to succeed on the international stage.

At SAI NCoE Gandhinagar, she benefits from essential training facilities and support, including structured coaching and access to necessary infrastructure, allowing her to concentrate on her athletic growth and competitive readiness.

"We arrived here with high hopes, immense effort, and a strong will to win. My journey has been filled with struggles, but I was resolute that I had to return with a medal," she remarked.

With the Women's 400m T12 event, which she considers her main event, approaching soon, Tejalben feels that her bronze medal has significantly boosted her confidence. She explained that winning a medal in the 200m was part of a strategy devised with her coach to build momentum for the 400m competition.

"The 400 metres is my primary event, which is coming up next. My coach and I believed that securing a medal in the 200 metres would enhance our confidence for the 400 metres. Now, with this medal, I feel even more prepared to give my best in my main event," she added.

India showcased an impressive performance on Day 2 of the Asian Para Games 2026, raising its medal tally to 35, which includes nine gold, 11 silver, and 15 bronze medals, placing them sixth in the overall standings.