The Asian Para Games 2026 have brought together some of Asia’s leading para-athletes in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from October 18 to October 24. The competition features athletes from across the continent competing in 18 sports, including athletics, badminton, archery, swimming, shooting and table tennis.
India entered the Games with high expectations after winning 111 medals at the 2022 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, held in 2023. The Indian contingent includes established Paralympic champions, Asian medal winners and emerging athletes hoping to make their mark on the international stage.
The 2026 competition has already delivered memorable performances for India. Simran Sharma, Nishad Kumar, Deepthi Jeevanji and other athletes have won important medals, while para-archers and badminton players are also competing in events that could add to the country’s tally.
Asian Para Games 2026: Important Dates and Schedule
The fifth Asian Para Games runs for seven days, with competitions and medal events spread across venues in the Aichi-Nagoya region. The programme includes individual events, doubles competitions, team matches and finals.
| Date | Key competition highlights |
| October 18 | Opening ceremony and start of the Games |
| October 19 | Athletics, archery, badminton, swimming and other competitions |
| October 20 | Major athletics finals and medal events across several sports |
| October 21 | Athletics finals, archery medal matches, swimming and team events |
| October 22 | Further qualifying rounds, knockout matches and medal competitions |
| October 23 | Final rounds across multiple sports, including athletics and badminton |
| October 24 | Closing competitions and closing ceremony |
The exact event timings vary by sport and day. Fans should consult the official competition timetable for updated fixtures, finals and Indian athletes’ participation. Schedules can change as competitions progress.
Sports to Watch in India’s Campaign
Para-athletics is one of India’s most important medal-producing sports because the programme includes a wide range of track and field events. Para-badminton and para-archery are also significant, given India’s established international competitors.
Other sports to follow include:
- Para-swimming: Athletes compete in different strokes, distances and classifications.
- Para-shooting: Precision and consistency are crucial in rifle and pistol events.
- Para-table tennis: Singles, doubles and mixed doubles create multiple medal opportunities.
- Para-powerlifting: Athletes compete in weight categories, testing strength and technique.
- Boccia and para-cycling: These sports offer further opportunities for Indian athletes to earn medals.
India’s Biggest Medal Contenders at the Asian Para Games 2026
India’s team combines experienced champions with emerging athletes who are gaining recognition through international performances. Several Indian competitors have already delivered outstanding results at the Games, making the campaign particularly exciting for supporters.
1. Sheetal Devi – Para-Archery
Sheetal Devi is one of India’s most recognisable para-athletes. Competing in compound archery, she has earned international attention for her accuracy, technique and ability to remain composed under pressure.
Her achievements have helped introduce para-archery to a wider audience. At the 2026 Games, Sheetal and Payal Nag reached the women’s compound doubles gold-medal match against China. The event is a major test of teamwork because both archers must deliver consistent scores across their attempts.
Archery remains a sport to follow closely during the remaining competition days, with individual and team events offering further opportunities for Indian competitors.
2. Sumit Antil – Para-Athletics
Sumit Antil is one of India’s leading names in para-athletics. The javelin thrower has achieved major success at international competitions, including the Paralympic Games, and is known for his strength and technical control.
Javelin throwing requires a combination of speed, balance, timing and explosive power. Athletes must also maintain consistency across their attempts because a single strong throw can decide the final standings.
Antil’s experience makes him an important figure in India’s para-athletics programme. His career also demonstrates how specialised coaching and regular international competition can help Indian athletes perform at the highest level.
3. Simran Sharma – Para-Sprinting
Simran Sharma has been one of the standout Indian performers at the 2026 Games. She won gold in the women’s 200-metre T12 event in 24.80 seconds, equalling the Asian Para Games record. She then added another gold in the 100-metre T12 event in 12.02 seconds, setting a Games record.
These results underline her ability to compete across sprint distances. Sprinting requires explosive acceleration, efficient running technique and the ability to maintain speed through the finish.
Simran’s performances are also significant for the visibility they bring to women’s para-athletics in India.
4. Nishad Kumar – High Jump
Nishad Kumar has built a strong reputation through his international performances in para-athletics. At the 2026 Asian Para Games, he won gold in the men’s high jump T47 event with a clearance of 2.04 metres, setting a Games record. He also won gold in the long jump.
His double-gold achievement highlights his versatility and technical ability. High jump requires athletes to combine a controlled approach with precise take-off timing, while long jump depends on speed, take-off accuracy and effective landing technique.
Nishad’s results make him one of the defining Indian performers of this edition.
5. Praveen Kumar – High Jump
Praveen Kumar has also delivered an important result for India. He won gold in the men’s high jump T44/64 event with a clearance of 2.05 metres, establishing a new Games record. India’s Banti secured silver with a personal-best jump of 1.92 metres.
The Indian one-two finish demonstrated the country’s strength in the event. It also showed how depth within a discipline can be as important as individual success.
Praveen’s performance is a reminder that India’s medal hopes extend beyond its best-known Paralympic stars.
6. Deepthi Jeevanji – 400 Metres
Deepthi Jeevanji won gold in the women’s 400-metre T20 event at the 2026 Games. Her achievement added to India’s successful athletics campaign and highlighted the country’s progress in track events.
The 400 metres is a demanding race because athletes must balance speed with endurance. A fast start can be useful, but competitors also need enough energy to maintain their pace over the final stretch.
Deepthi’s gold demonstrates the importance of preparation, race strategy and consistency in a demanding event.
7. Sachin Khilari – Shot Put
Sachin Khilari is a major name in India’s para-athletics squad. Competing in the F46 shot put, he has established himself as an international contender through his strength and technical performance.
The 2026 Games have also highlighted India’s depth in this discipline, with Indian athletes sweeping the men’s F46 shot put podium. A one-two-three finish is particularly significant because it shows that multiple athletes from the same country can compete successfully at the same level.
Shot put requires athletes to generate power while maintaining balance and control throughout the throwing movement.
8. Ayush Verma – Shot Put and Javelin
Ayush Verma has delivered another notable performance for India. He won gold in the men’s F53 shot put with a best throw of 8.16 metres, adding to the bronze medal he had earned in the javelin event.
Winning medals in two throwing disciplines highlights his versatility. The events require different techniques, but both depend on strength, coordination and consistent execution.
His performance also demonstrates the contribution of athletes who may receive less attention than established Paralympic champions but remain crucial to the national medal tally.
India’s Medal Prospects Across Different Sports
India’s medal campaign is not limited to athletics. Para-archery, para-badminton, swimming, shooting and table tennis provide opportunities for athletes with different strengths and competitive backgrounds.
The country’s established badminton players, including Pramod Bhagat, are important names to watch as knockout rounds progress. In archery, athletes such as Sheetal Devi and Toman Kumar bring valuable international experience. Indian swimmers and table tennis players can also contribute through their individual and doubles events.
Three factors will be particularly important during the remaining days:
- Consistency: Athletes must maintain their performance across heats, qualification rounds and finals.
- Recovery: Back-to-back events require careful preparation, rest and medical support.
- Pressure management: Medal matches often depend on decisions made in a few crucial moments.
India’s performance will depend on how successfully athletes convert qualification opportunities into medals and how well the team manages the final stages of competition.
Why the Asian Para Games Matter for Indian Sport
The Asian Para Games offer more than a medal count. They provide a platform for athletes with disabilities to demonstrate their abilities, gain international experience and encourage greater participation in sport.
Successful performances can help attract sponsorship, strengthen training programmes and inspire young athletes to pursue competitive careers. They also highlight the importance of accessible sports facilities, specialised coaching, suitable equipment and long-term support.
India’s strong results at previous editions have raised expectations, but continued progress requires investment beyond a single tournament. Grassroots opportunities and support for emerging competitors will be essential if India wants to remain competitive at future Asian Para Games and Paralympic events.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When are the Asian Para Games 2026 being held?
The Asian Para Games 2026 are taking place from October 18 to October 24 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
2. How many sports are included in the Games?
The programme includes 18 sports, featuring para-athletics, para-badminton, para-archery, para-swimming, para-shooting, para-table tennis and other disciplines.
3. Who are India’s biggest medal contenders?
Key Indian names include Sheetal Devi, Sumit Antil, Simran Sharma, Nishad Kumar, Praveen Kumar, Deepthi Jeevanji, Sachin Khilari and Ayush Verma.
4. Which Indian athletes have already won notable medals in 2026?
Simran Sharma won two sprint gold medals, Nishad Kumar secured two gold medals, Praveen Kumar won high jump gold, Deepthi Jeevanji won the 400-metre gold, and Ayush Verma won shot put gold.
5. Where can fans check the latest Asian Para Games schedule?
Fans can check the official Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games website for the latest fixtures, event timings, results and medal standings.
