Suvarna Raj Shines with Gold in Women's Discus Throw at Asian Para Games 2026

Suvarna Raj's Triumph in Discus Throw

Nagoya, Oct 22: Suvarna Raj from India has secured a gold medal in the Women’s Discus Throw F54 category at the Asian Para Games 2026, achieving an impressive throw of 15.66 meters.

Demonstrating remarkable consistency, Suvarna surpassed the 15-meter mark in five out of her six attempts, showcasing her dominance in the competition.

Her gold-winning throw came during her fifth attempt, where she displayed remarkable composure and skill, earning her a well-deserved place at the top of the podium for India.

Shahla Hadidi from Iran claimed the silver medal with a throw of 15.45 meters, while Vietnam’s Thi Ngoc Thuy Nguyen secured bronze with a distance of 14.65 meters.

Since 2017, Suvarna has dedicated herself to her sport, participating in three Asian Para Games and various international events, and she currently holds the No. 2 ranking in Asia for the F54 discus throw.

The F54 classification is specifically for seated athletes with impairments affecting their trunk and lower limbs.

In addition to her athletic achievements, Suvarna is an advocate for accessibility and disability rights, having conducted over 1,000 accessibility audits throughout India. She also serves as the Brand Ambassador for accessible elections with the Election Commission of India.

Meanwhile, newcomer Swati Chaudhary made history by winning India’s first medal in the women’s W1 individual archery event at the Asian Para Games, earning a silver medal after a close final against China’s Mengkan Cen, which ended 4-6.

Swati competes in the W1 category, designed for athletes with impairments in all four limbs. Despite facing challenges due to limited financial backing for international competitions, she has consistently delivered outstanding performances, inspiring many with her resilience in overcoming significant physical challenges.