Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated India's para-athletes on Sunday, October 25, a day after the conclusion of the Asian Para Games 2026, after the contingent recorded its best-ever medal haul at the continental event. India finished the Games in Nagoya with a record 114 medals, including 30 gold, 35 silver and 49 bronze.

In a post on X, Modi praised the athletes for their determination and said their performances had brought immense pride to the country.

“What an extraordinary achievement by our para-athletes at the just concluded Asian Para Games 2026!

“With a record 114 medals, this marks India’s best-ever performance at the Games. This is an occasion of immense pride and joy for the entire nation!

“I congratulate every member of our contingent for their exceptional determination. Each athlete has contributed to this historic achievement and inspired countless Indians with their accomplishments,” Modi wrote.

INDIA BETTERS PREVIOUS BEST IN NAGOYA

India surpassed its previous best of 108 medals, achieved at the 2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, improving its gold medal count from 27 to 30. The contingent finished fourth in the medal standings, behind China, Japan and Uzbekistan.

The achievement was particularly significant given that India competed with a 168-member contingent, nearly half the size of its team at the previous edition. The athletes delivered across disciplines, with para-athletics emerging as the biggest contributor to India's medal tally.

India collected 65 medals in para-athletics, including 22 gold, 19 silver and 24 bronze. Para-badminton was the next major contributor, with 16 medals, while para-swimming added 11.

Para-archery contributed six medals, including three gold, while para-shooting accounted for five medals, with two gold. India also won medals in para-table tennis, para-judo and para-powerlifting.

PARA-ATHLETES SHINE IN INDIA'S CAMPAIGN

Several standout performances helped India set a new benchmark in Nagoya. The final day of competition saw the contingent add nine gold medals, taking its overall tally beyond the previous record.

Para-shooter Mona Agarwal won two gold medals, including one with a world-record performance in the women's 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 event. She had earlier claimed gold in the women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 event with a Games-record score.

In para-athletics, Sandeep set a world record in the men's 400m T64 final, clocking 52.28 seconds to win gold. Haney also produced a world-record performance in the men's javelin throw F37/38 final, winning with a throw of 60.49 metres.

Reigning Paralympic and world champion Sumit Antil led an Indian sweep in the men's javelin throw, while Pranav Soorma won gold in the men's club throw with a Games-record effort of 32.87 metres.

India's para-badminton players also made a significant contribution to the final-day medal rush. Nitesh Kumar won the men's singles SL3 title after defeating compatriot Pramod Bhagat, while Naveen Sivakumar claimed gold in the men's singles SL4 event. Thulasimathi Murugesan also finished her campaign with gold in the women's doubles SL3-SU5 alongside Manasi Joshi.

The record medal haul capped a strong campaign for India, with athletes across multiple disciplines contributing to the country's best-ever performance at the Asian Para Games.

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