From Polio Survivor To Gold Medalist: Para Athlete Suvarna Raj Becomes First Indian Woman To Clinch Gold In Discus Throw

Suvarna Raj, a 44-year-old para-athlete from Greater Noida, won the gold medal in the women's F54 discus throw event at the 2026 Asian Para Games, held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. She threw 15.66m on her fifth attempt to reach the top of the podium on Thursday. A wheelchair user, Suvarna has been competing in para-athletics since 2017, representing India at three editions of the Asian Para Games. 

Besides sports, Surva is a prominent disability rights activist, advocating for legislative protections, including the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act and the Mental Health Bill.

Warmest congratulations to Suvarna Raj for winning the Gold Medal in the Women’s Discus Throw at the Asian Para Games 2026. This is a historic achievement made possible by your exceptional capabilities. May your success inspire many more athletes to aim higher and believe in their potential.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 22, 2026

All About Suvarna

Suvarna Raj is a decorated international para-athlete who competes in the F54 discus throw category. Born on July 22, 1982, in Nagpur, Maharashtra, she survived a severe polio diagnosis at the age of two. It left her paralysed from the waist down and reliant on a wheelchair. After undergoing several treatments, she transitioned to track and field events in 2017. Under the guidance of her coach, Pintu Nagar, she concentrated entirely on the F54 discus throw and shot put, which ultimately culminated in her historic gold medal win.

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Suvarna Won UN SDG Action Award 

Besides being a para-athlete, Suvarna is also the voice of disability rights in India. She works with the government to make public places such as buildings and transport easy for people in wheelchairs. Suvarna served as the official Brand Ambassador of the Election Commission to make polling booths fully accessible and encourage persons with disabilities to exercise their right to vote. 

Her relentless work led her to win the prestigious UN SDG Action Award (Changemaker category) in Rome, becoming the first woman with disabilities to achieve this feat. She is also a recipient of the President of India's National Role Model Award and the Nari Shakti Award.

Her Medals And Achievements

Before winning a gold medal at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, Suvarna Raj also won a bronze medal at the 17th Fazza International Para Athletics Championship in the Dubai World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026. Continuing her feat, she won a gold medal in the discus throw and a silver medal in the shot put at the Canberra Track Meet, Australia, in January 2026. 

Her career reflects years of resilience and hard work in the national and international arena. Suvarna has also been awarded the National Youth Award, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (2015).

What Is F54 Discus Throw Category?

The F54 classification is for seated field athletes with impairments impacting trunk and lower-limb functions. Athletes compete from the throwing chair. With limitations in trunk control influencing their throwing technique, athletes completely rely on their upper-body strength and arm movement to generate power.

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