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Para Asian Games 2026: Sumit Antil, Avani Lekhara Lead India’s Medal Hopes

Posted on 19th Oct 2026 01:41 pm by rohit kumar

The Asian Para Games 2026 are underway in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with India aiming to build on its record medal haul from the previous edition. The fifth edition of the continental para-sporting event is being held from October 18 to 24, bringing together athletes from across Asia to compete in multiple disciplines.

 

India has fielded a 168-member athlete contingent comprising 112 men and 56 women across 11 sports. The squad features several established Paralympic champions, world champions and rising stars, including javelin thrower Sumit Antil, shooter Avani Lekhara, archer Sheetal Devi and badminton player Pramod Bhagat.

 

India has already opened its medal account, with Mona Agarwal winning gold and Avani Lekhara securing silver in the women’s 10m air rifle SH1 event. As the competition continues, attention will be on the country’s leading para-athletes and their efforts to add to India’s medal tally.

 

India’s Medal Journey at the Asian Para Games

 

India has steadily improved its performance at the Asian Para Games over the years. The country won 14 medals at the inaugural edition in Guangzhou, China, in 2010. The tally increased to 33 medals at Incheon, South Korea, in 2014, before rising to 72 at Jakarta, Indonesia, in 2018.

 

At the Hangzhou edition in 2023, India achieved its then-best performance, winning 111 medals, including 29 gold, 31 silver and 51 bronze. The result underlined the growing depth of India’s para-sporting talent.

 

With a strong mix of experienced international performers and emerging competitors, the Indian contingent will look to continue that progress in Japan. However, the smaller squad compared with the previous edition means that converting opportunities into medals will be particularly important.

 

Asian Para Games 2026: 15 Indian Athletes to Watch

 

1. Sumit Antil – Para Athletics, Javelin Throw

 

Sumit Antil is one of India’s most prominent para-athletes. The javelin thrower has won gold at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Paralympics in the F64 category and has established himself as a leading name in international para athletics. His throwing consistency and championship experience make him a key athlete to watch in Japan.

 

2. Avani Lekhara – Para Shooting

 

Avani Lekhara is among India’s most successful para-shooters. She won gold in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Paralympics. At the ongoing Asian Para Games, she has already won silver in the same event, adding another medal to her international record.

 

3. Sheetal Devi – Para Archery

 

Sheetal Devi has emerged as one of India’s leading para-archers. Competing in compound archery, she has earned major international honours and a Paralympic medal. Her achievements have made her an important part of India’s medal campaign, and she will be aiming for another strong performance in Aichi-Nagoya.

 

4. Harvinder Singh – Para Archery

 

Harvinder Singh made history by winning gold in the men’s individual recurve open event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. His experience in high-pressure knockout contests makes him a significant contender in para archery, where precision and composure can determine the outcome.

 

5. Bhavina Patel – Para Table Tennis

 

Bhavina Patel won silver in women’s singles at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and has also enjoyed success at the Commonwealth Games. Known for her determination and tactical approach, she remains an important name in India’s para table tennis campaign.

 

6. Pramod Bhagat – Para Badminton

 

Pramod Bhagat is one of India’s most decorated para-badminton players. He won gold in men’s singles SL3 at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and has claimed multiple major international titles. His experience and record in elite competition make him a key player to follow at the Asian Para Games.

 

7. Suhas L. Yathiraj – Para Badminton

 

Suhas L. Yathiraj, a former world number one, won silver in men’s singles SL4 at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Paralympics. Alongside his sporting achievements, he is known for his work in public administration. His consistency and experience will be important assets in the badminton competition.

 

8. Mona Agarwal – Para Shooting

 

Mona Agarwal has already delivered a major result for India at the 2026 Asian Para Games. She won gold in the women’s 10m air rifle SH1 event with a score of 250.0, setting a new Asian Para Games record. Her victory over fellow Indian shooter Avani Lekhara gave India a memorable one-two finish.

 

9. Simran Sharma – Para Athletics, Sprinting

 

Simran Sharma is a leading Indian para-sprinter who has won medals at major international competitions, including the Paralympics. Her performances have helped strengthen India’s presence in track events. She is among the athletes expected to attract attention during the athletics programme.

 

10. Preeti Pal – Para Athletics, Sprinting

Preeti Pal won two bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympics in the women’s 100m and 200m T35 events. Her performances marked an important milestone for Indian para athletics. She will be looking to maintain her momentum and challenge for another podium finish.

 

11. Nishad Kumar – Para Athletics, High Jump

 

Nishad Kumar is a leading name in the men’s T47 high jump. He won silver medals at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Paralympics and has consistently competed at the highest level. His experience in major championships makes him one of India’s important medal prospects in athletics.

 

12. Praveen Kumar – Para Athletics, High Jump

 

Praveen Kumar won gold in the men’s T64 high jump at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. His success on the biggest stage has strengthened India’s prospects in para athletics. He will aim to carry that form into the continental competition.

 

13. Sharad Kumar – Para Athletics, High Jump

 

Sharad Kumar has earned Paralympic silver and bronze medals in the men’s T42 high jump. A consistent performer on the international circuit, he brings valuable experience to India’s athletics team and will look to add another major achievement to his career.

 

14. Ajeet Singh – Para Athletics, Javelin Throw

 

Ajeet Singh won silver in the men’s F46 javelin throw at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. His international experience makes him an important competitor in a discipline where India has developed considerable strength. He will be aiming for a strong showing against the region’s leading throwers.

 

15. Dharambir – Para Athletics, Club Throw

 

Dharambir won gold in the men’s F51 club throw at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, establishing himself among India’s leading field-event athletes. His performances at major competitions have made him a key name in the club throw event, and he will be looking to continue that success in Japan.

 

India’s Flag-Bearers at the Asian Para Games 2026

 

Para-badminton player Pramod Bhagat and sprinter Simran Sharma were named as India’s flag-bearers for the opening ceremony. Their selection reflects their achievements and standing in Indian para-sports.

 

The Indian contingent is competing in 11 disciplines, including para athletics, para badminton, para swimming, para shooting, para archery, para table tennis, para powerlifting, para judo, para cycling, boccia and blind football.

 

Can India Improve on Its 2023 Medal Tally?

 

India won 111 medals at the 2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, setting a new benchmark for its performance at the event. The country will now seek to maintain its progress in Japan, with medal opportunities spread across athletics, badminton, shooting, archery and other disciplines.

 

The presence of experienced Paralympic medallists gives India several established competitors, while the performances of emerging athletes could also influence the final tally. The opening medals won by Mona Agarwal and Avani Lekhara have provided an encouraging start.

 

As the Asian Para Games continue through October 24, Indian fans will be watching closely to see whether the contingent can add to its early success and deliver another memorable campaign on the continental stage.

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