India Breaks Into Asian Para Games Top Five After 27-Medal Surge on Day Three

India delivered another impressive performance at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, winning 27 medals on October 21, including five gold, 11 silver and 11 bronze. The remarkable haul lifted the Indian contingent to fifth place in the overall standings after three days of competition.

India’s medal count reached 62, comprising 14 gold, 22 silver and 26 bronze medals. The latest results marked a recovery after the country slipped to sixth place following the second day’s events.

China continued to dominate the competition, while Japan, Uzbekistan and South Korea occupied the positions immediately above India. With several events still to come, Indian athletes will look to maintain their momentum and improve the country’s standing.

India’s Position in the Medal Standings

India’s five gold medals on Wednesday helped the team move ahead of Iran in the standings. Thailand also had 14 gold medals, but India’s higher silver count placed it ahead of the Southeast Asian nation.

China remained comfortably in first place with 226 medals, including 107 gold. Japan held second position with 100 medals, followed by Uzbekistan with 89.

Asian Para Games 2026: Top 10 Nations After Day Three

Athletics Leads India’s Medal Charge

Para-athletics once again provided the biggest contribution to India’s success, accounting for 18 medals on the third day, including all five of the country’s gold medals.

Simran was among the standout performers, winning the women’s 100-metre T12 event in a Games-record time of 12.02 seconds. She had already won the women’s 200-metre T12 gold the previous day, completing an impressive double in the sprint events.

Dilip Gavit claimed gold in the men’s 100-metre T47 race with a time of 10.69 seconds. India also secured silver in the event through Mohammed Morssinganakath Basil, who finished in 10.72 seconds.

Praveen Kumar won gold in the men’s high jump T44/64 event, while Sachin Khilari topped the podium in the men’s shot put F46 competition. Ayush Verma added another gold in the men’s shot put F53 event.

These performances helped India’s athletics medal tally reach 42, including 13 gold, 14 silver and 15 bronze medals.

Archery, Swimming and Powerlifting Add to the Total

Indian athletes also delivered podium finishes in disciplines beyond athletics.

Compound archers Sheetal Devi and Payal Nag secured silver in the women’s doubles event. In para-swimming, Ravi Kartik Budigina claimed silver in the men’s 100-metre backstroke S13, adding another medal to his campaign. Himanshu Nandal won bronze in the men’s 100-metre breaststroke S11.

Powerlifter Kasthuri Rajamani earned silver in the women’s 67kg category, adding to India’s growing medal collection.

The badminton contingent also strengthened its prospects. Suhas L Y, Naveen Sivakumar and Abhijeet Sakhuja reached the men’s singles SL4 semifinals, ensuring India would secure multiple medals in the event. Krishna Nagar and Sivarajan Solaimalai also won silver in men’s doubles SH6.

India Looks to Build Momentum on Day Four

India’s rise to fifth place reflects the strength of its para-athletics contingent and the contributions of athletes across several sports. The team will now look to add more medals through upcoming competitions in athletics, badminton, para-archery, shooting, table tennis and other disciplines.

With the Games continuing until October 24, India still has opportunities to strengthen its overall position. Consistent performances across the remaining events will be crucial as the contingent aims to finish the competition with a strong medal haul.

The third day has provided India with renewed momentum, while the achievements of individual athletes have highlighted the depth of talent within the country’s para-sports programme.