Suvarna Raj Celebrates Gold and PM Modi's Support at Asian Para Games 2026
Inspiring Interaction with the Prime Minister
On November 6, para-athlete Suvarna Raj, who clinched gold in the women's discus throw F54 at the Asian Para Games 2026, shared her uplifting experience of 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 in New Delhi, PM Modi congratulated the Indian contingent for their remarkable achievement in Aichi-Nagoya, where India secured fourth place with an impressive total of 114 medals.
After the meeting, Suvarna expressed her excitement, stating, "It was a fantastic 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 added, "When the Prime Minister supports you, it enhances your determination. Knowing he stands with us motivates us to strive harder. From winning 14 medals in 2014 to 114 in 2026, his backing has been crucial to our success. We aim to elevate our position from fourth to first in the next decade."
India's Historic Medal Count
India concluded the Asian Para Games 2026 with a remarkable 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 reduction from the 309 who participated in the last edition.
The event showcased several outstanding performances across various sports. 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 achieved gold in the men's recurve doubles, with Pooja Jatyan and Bhawna Choudhary earning silver in the women's category.
India also set world records in para-athletics, with Haney winning gold in the men's javelin F37/38 and Sandeep taking the men's 400m T64 title. The country dominated the men's javelin F42-F44/F61-F64 event, with Sumit, Mahendra Gurjar, and Sandip Sanjay Sargar claiming gold, silver, and bronze, respectively.
Mona Agarwal made headlines in para-shooting by winning gold in the women's 50m rifle 3 positions SH1, establishing both world and Asian Para Games records.
This impressive 114-medal haul marks India's most successful campaign at the continental event, highlighting the nation's growing prowess in para-sports.