Marking a historic milestone in Indian sporting excellence, the fifth edition of the Para Asian Games drew to an emotional and vibrant close on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the iconic Mizuho Park Athletics Stadium in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Leading the celebratory march of the Indian contingent, double gold medalist para shooter Mona Agarwal and high jump star Nishad Kumar proudly hoisted the national Tricolour as joint flag bearers during the dazzling closing ceremony. The continental showcase marked Japan’s debut as host nation for the Para Asian Games, bringing together nearly 4,000 elite para-athletes and officials representing 45 nations and administrative territories across Asia. Delivering their greatest international performance to date, India’s athletes eclipsed their previous continental benchmarks, rewriting record books and establishing the nation as a rising global force in para-athletics.
Record-Breaking Campaign: India Surpasses Hangzhou Benchmark with 114 Medals
The Indian contingent registered its most successful multi-sport continental campaign in history:
All-Time High Podium Haul: India wrapped up the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Para Asian Games with a historic aggregate of 114 medals, comprising 30 Gold, 35 Silver, and 49 Bronze medals.
Surpassing the Hangzhou Standard: This remarkable performance eclipsed India’s prior best showing of 111 medals (29 Gold, 31 Silver, and 51 Bronze) achieved during the 2023 Games in Hangzhou, China.
Double Gold Icons as Flag Bearers: Shooter Mona Agarwal and high jumper Nishad Kumar spearheaded the contingent’s parade after each delivered masterclass performances to secure two individual gold medals during the competition week.
Continental Evolution: Originating from the Far East and South Pacific Games Federation for the Disabled before its formal inauguration at Guangzhou in 2010, the quadrennial event now passes the ceremonial baton to Doha, Qatar, which will host the sixth edition in 2030.
Presidential Accolades: Droupadi Murmu Hails Athletes’ Unwavering Self-Belief
Following the final medal events, President of India Droupadi Murmu commended the contingent’s achievements:
Tribute to Team India: Taking to social media platform X, President Murmu expressed great pride in the athletes’ unprecedented success, calling the 114-medal haul a benchmark achievement for Indian sports.
Inspiration for the Nation’s Youth: The President observed that this extraordinary triumph, forged through grit, discipline, and self-belief, serves as a powerful message for the youth of India to face adversity without fear and pursue ambitious dreams with dedication.
Recognition of Support Systems: She extended her congratulations to the coaches, support staff, and family members whose backing enabled the athletes to reach their podium goals.