India’s para-athletes are heading into the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games with confidence and higher expectations after a series of impressive performances on the international stage. Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) president Devendra Jhajharia has backed the Indian contingent to raise the bar in Japan, building on the country’s record-breaking campaign at the 2023 Asian Para Games and its strong showing at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
The Asian Para Games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from October 18 to 24. India created history at the previous edition in Hangzhou in 2023, winning a record 111 medals, including 29 gold. Jhajharia believes the team has the potential to surpass that performance this time.
According to Jhajharia, one of the key factors behind India’s recent progress has been the creation of a more supportive and stress-free environment for athletes. He said athletes are now receiving better preparation and greater confidence ahead of major competitions.
The momentum has also been strengthened by India’s performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where Indian para-athletes won seven medals — three gold, two silver and two bronze. Several of those medal winners are now targeting success at the Asian Para Games.
Para sprinter Dilip Gavit is among the athletes carrying strong expectations. After winning the men’s 100m T47 gold at the Commonwealth Games in a Games-record 10.71 seconds, Gavit is targeting gold in both the 100m and 400m events in Japan. He had previously won 400m gold at the 2022 Asian Para Games and wants to improve on his earlier achievement.
Powerlifter Jhandu Kumar is also aiming for gold after securing bronze at the Commonwealth Games. He has said his goal is to contribute to India’s effort to improve on its previous Asian Para Games medal tally.
Para archery is another discipline where India has strong medal hopes. World champion Sheetal Devi, Harvinder Singh and other leading archers have already been selected for the Games. Devi, who won two gold medals at Hangzhou, will look to defend both titles in Nagoya. She recently produced another impressive performance by topping qualification at the World Archery Para Series in Ahmedabad with a season-best 698.
With experienced champions, emerging talents and improved preparation, India will enter the Asian Para Games with ambitions of setting a new benchmark in para-sport. The focus is now firmly on converting recent success into an even bigger medal haul in Japan.
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