India enjoyed a memorable day in para-athletics at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Monday. Rinku Hooda won gold in the men’s javelin throw F46 event, while Ajeet Singh Yadav claimed silver to give India a one-two finish.
Rinku topped the field with a best throw of 65.11 metres. Ajeet came close to matching his compatriot but fell short by just nine centimetres, finishing with a throw of 65.02 metres.
Indonesia’s Saktyono R secured the bronze medal with an effort of 55.30 metres.
Rinku Hooda and Ajeet Singh Shine in Javelin
The Indian duo finished well ahead of the rest of the field, securing the top two positions on the podium.
Rinku produced the gold medal-winning throw of 65.11 metres, while Ajeet’s best effort of 65.02 metres was enough to earn him silver. The narrow nine-centimetre gap between the two Indians made the contest for gold particularly close.
Their performances added two more medals to India’s tally at the continental para-sports event.
India Had Swept the Podium in 2022
India also enjoyed a remarkable outing in the men’s javelin throw F46 event at the 2022 Asian Para Games, when its athletes claimed all three medals.
Sundar Singh Gurjar won gold with a world-record throw of 68.60 metres. Rinku finished second with 67.08 metres to take silver, while Ajeet secured bronze with a throw of 63.52 metres.
The latest results once again highlighted India’s strength in the event, with Rinku and Ajeet finishing first and second in Aichi-Nagoya.
Nishad Kumar Wins Long Jump Gold
Earlier on Monday, two-time Paralympic silver medallist Nishad Kumar also struck gold for India in the men’s T47 long jump.
Nishad, who is best known for his achievements in the high jump, won the event with a best effort of 7.11 metres. It was his first appearance in the long jump at an international competition.
The Indian athlete produced a strong performance to secure another gold medal for the country at the Games.
Ravi Karthik Budigina Adds Swimming Silver
India’s medal tally received another boost when Ravi Karthik Budigina won silver in the men’s 100m freestyle S13 swimming event.
His podium finish added to India’s successful day at the Asian Para Games, with the country’s athletes making their mark across athletics and swimming.