India has made a remarkable achievement at the 2026 Asian Para Games held in Aichi-Nagoya, securing a record total of 114 medals. This impressive count includes 30 gold, 35 silver, and 49 bronze medals, surpassing the previous record of 108 medals set in 2023. It’s worth noting that in 2023, India initially had a higher count of 111 medals, but this was later adjusted after three medals were stripped due to doping violations.
Interestingly, this success was achieved with a smaller team of just 168 athletes, compared to 309 in 2023. However, a closer look at the performance in different sports reveals both strengths and weaknesses in India’s medal tally.
### Athletics Leads the Charge
Athletics was the standout performer for India, contributing a significant 65 medals to the overall count, including 22 golds. This marks a solid improvement from 2023, where the country won 53 medals and 16 golds in this category. Notable athletes such as Dilip Mahadu Gavit, who triumphed in both the men’s 100m and 400m T47 events, and Nishad Kumar, who brought home gold in the men’s high jump and long jump T47, were instrumental in this success.
Simran also shone brightly, winning both the women’s 100m and 200m T12 events. Deepthi Jeevanji and other athletes across various track and field events added to India’s impressive medal haul, making athletics the backbone of the country’s achievements in these Games.
### Archery Takes a Step Back
India’s para archers faced a slight dip, winning six medals in 2026 compared to seven in 2023. The 2026 tally included three golds and three silvers, notably with Sheetal Devi securing gold in the women’s individual compound event. Although the overall count was lower, the quality of performance remained strong, with several athletes contributing to the medal tally.
### Badminton Faces a Decline
The para badminton team saw a decrease in medals, with the total dropping from 21 in 2023 to 16 in 2026. They managed to earn three golds, five silvers, and eight bronzes this time around. Nitesh Kumar and Naveen Sivakumar both brought home gold medals in their respective singles events, while Thulasimathi Murugesan and Manasi Girishchandra Joshi excelled in women’s doubles.
### Shooting and Powerlifting Also Slip
In shooting para sports, India’s count fell to five medals in 2026 from six in the previous Games. Star performer Mona Agarwal led the charge with two gold medals. Meanwhile, powerlifting brought in two silver medals this year, down from three in 2023.
### Swimming and Table Tennis Shine
On a brighter note, para swimming showed remarkable growth, increasing from just one bronze in 2023 to 11 medals in 2026. This includes three silvers and eight bronzes, with strong performances from athletes like Ravi Karthik Budigina.
Table tennis also improved, with the medal count rising to seven bronzes from two the previous time. Although there were no gold or silver medals this year, the team’s performance reflects a positive trend.
### Events Missing from the List
Several events that contributed to India’s medal tally in 2023, including canoeing, chess, taekwondo, and rowing, were absent from the 2026 Games. It is crucial to note that India did not compete in these sports this time, which influenced the overall medal count.
### Conclusion
India’s performance at the 2026 Asian Para Games set a new benchmark, particularly in athletics and swimming, while some sports saw a decline in their medal counts. The record number of medals, however, should be viewed in context, as the 2023 figures were adjusted due to doping violations and fewer sports were included in the recent competition. Overall, India’s success remains a source of pride, demonstrating the incredible talent and determination of its athletes.
