India climbs to fifth at Asian Para Games with 88 medals

India’s track-and-field contingent collected 18 medals, including five gold, on Wednesday, October 21, lifting the country to fifth place in the overall standings at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya. Sprinter Simran, high jumper Praveen Kumar and shot-putter Sachin Khilari each set new Games records in their events.

India’s total medal count reached 62, comprising 14 gold, 21 silver and 27 bronze. Athletics alone accounted for 13 of the 14 gold medals India had secured at that point.

“Sheetal Devi picked up two gold medals in the space of less than two hours to reaffirm her peerless credentials.”

Sheetal Devi, the 19-year-old armless archer and reigning world champion, won two gold medals in less than two hours on Thursday, October 22. She first defended the mixed team gold with Toman Kumar, then overcame a four-point deficit to beat Singapore’s Alim Nur Syahidah in the individual final.

By Thursday, India’s overall tally had swelled to 88 medals, including 21 gold, 26 silver and 41 bronze. Para-athletics remained the biggest contributor with 52 medals, made up of 18 gold, 16 silver and 18 bronze.

Other gold medalists on Thursday included Suvarna Raj in the women’s F54 discus throw with a best effort of 15.66 metres, sprinters Anjanaben Bumbadiya and Dilip Mahadu Gavit in their respective 400m T47 races, and long jumper Dharmaraj Solairaj, who defended his title with an Asian record of 7.15 metres.

Shailesh Kumar led a sweep of the men’s high jump T63 event with a Games record effort of 1.89 metres. Varun Bhati took silver with 1.84 metres, while Rahul claimed bronze with 1.81 metres.

The eight-day Games are scheduled to end on Saturday, October 24.