Asian Para Games 2026, Day 1: India enjoyed a strong start to the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Monday, winning 11 medals across several sports. The country finished the day with four gold, five silver and two bronze medals to sit fourth in the overall standings.
Shooter Mona Agarwal and long jumper Nishad Kumar were among India’s gold medallists. Armless archer Sheetal Devi also grabbed attention by matching the world record in the women’s compound qualification round before joining Rakesh Kumar to set a new world mark in the mixed team event.
India’s para-athletes and para-sport players also secured medals in judo, swimming and athletics, while table tennis and badminton players ensured more podium finishes by reaching the semifinals.
Mona Agarwal Beats Avani Lekhara to Win Shooting Gold
Mona Agarwal gave India an early gold medal by beating compatriot Avani Lekhara in the women’s 10m air rifle SH1 final.
The Paris Paralympics bronze medallist produced an impressive comeback after starting the final in sixth place. She finished with 250.0 points, setting an Asian Para Games record, and edged Avani by just 0.4 points.
Avani, the defending champion and a two-time Paralympic gold medallist, took silver with 249.6 points.
Mona had also topped the qualification round with 629.1 points, setting another Asian Para Games record. Avani finished second with 626.4 points.
The result also helped India secure a second quota place for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics. Mona had already earned one quota place at the World Shooting Para Sport Championships in Changwon, South Korea, last month, where she won silver.
Nishad Kumar Wins Gold in International Long Jump Debut
Nishad Kumar added another major achievement to his para-athletics career by winning gold in the men’s T47 long jump.
The two-time Paralympic silver medallist, who is best known for his performances in the high jump, recorded a best effort of 7.11 metres. It was his first appearance in the long jump at an international competition.
Nishad lost his right arm in an accident involving a grass-cutting machine when he was six years old. Despite the setback, he went on to establish himself as one of India’s leading para-athletes.
His victory added another gold medal to India’s tally on the opening day of the Games.
Soumya and Rinku Hooda Add Two More Gold Medals
India continued its winning run in para-athletics, with Soumya and Rinku Hooda also finishing on top of the podium.
Visually impaired runner Soumya won the women’s 1500m T12/T13 event in a personal-best time of 5 minutes and 12.39 seconds. Her compatriot Venkatesh Radha finished second in 5:30.90 to take silver.
In the men’s javelin throw F46 event, Rinku won gold with a season-best throw of 65.11 metres. Ajeet Singh Yadav followed him with 65.02 metres to claim silver, giving India a one-two finish. Indonesia’s Saktyono R won bronze with a throw of 55.30 metres.
India also secured a bronze medal through Ravanni Valasanaini in the women’s T11 event.