PM Modi Applauds Indian Contingent at Asian Para Games 2026
PM Modi Congratulates Asian Para Games 2026 Contingent
On November 6, in New Delhi, para-athlete Suvarna Raj, who clinched gold in the women's discus throw F54 at the Asian Para Games 2026, shared her uplifting experience after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She emphasized that his encouragement significantly boosts the morale of athletes. During a gathering at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, PM Modi praised the Indian contingent for their remarkable achievement in Aichi-Nagoya, where India finished fourth overall, amassing a record total of 114 medals.
Inspiring Interaction with PM Modi
Following the meeting, Suvarna Raj expressed her excitement, stating, "It was an incredible experience. We were thrilled to interact with him. I mentioned my involvement in the Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan), and it was wonderful to see him engage with everyone." She noted that the Prime Minister's support enhances athletes' determination, saying, "When the leader of your nation motivates you, it strengthens your resolve. His backing has been pivotal in our journey from 14 medals in 2014 to 114 medals in 2026. We aim to elevate our position from fourth to first in the next decade."
Historic Performance at Asian Para Games 2026
India concluded the Asian Para Games 2026 with an impressive tally of 30 gold, 35 silver, and 49 bronze medals, surpassing their previous record of 108 medals from the 2022 Hangzhou Games. The contingent consisted of 168 para-athletes, a notable decrease from the 309 participants in the last edition, yet they delivered outstanding performances across various sports.
Key Achievements and Medal Wins
In para-badminton, reigning Paralympic champion Nitesh Kumar triumphed over fellow Indian Pramod Bhagat in the men's singles SL3 final to secure gold, while Thulasimathi Murugesan and Manasi Joshi won the women's doubles SL3-SU5 title. In para-archery, Harvinder Singh and Vijay Sundi earned gold in men's recurve doubles, with Pooja Jatyan and Bhawna Choudhary taking silver in the women's category.
India also achieved world records in para-athletics, with Haney winning gold in the men's javelin F37/38 and Sandeep claiming the men's 400m T64 title. The country dominated the men's javelin F42-F44/F61-F64 event, with Sumit winning gold, Mahendra Gurjar taking silver, and Sandip Sanjay Sargar securing bronze. Additionally, Mona Agarwal made history in para-shooting by winning gold in the women's 50m rifle 3 positions SH1, setting both world and Asian Para Games records. India's total of 114 medals marks its most successful campaign at this continental event, showcasing the nation's growing prowess in para-sports.