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Indian jumpers secure memorable double podium in Japan
Indian para-athletes Praveen Kumar and Banti delivered spectacular performances to secure a one-two finish in the men's high jump T64 event at the Asian Para Games 2026. Praveen captured gold by clearing 2.05 metres on his third attempt, establishing a new Games record. Banti grabbed silver with a personal best jump of 1.92 metres, ensuring India dominated the podium in Aichi-Nagoya. Praveen previously equalled the Games record by clearing 1.95 metres before scaling two metres and eventually securing his record-breaking mark.
Track and field success continues
Rakeshbhai Bhatt contributed to the medal rush by winning bronze in the men's 100m T37 final. He clocked a personal best time of 11.50 seconds on Wednesday. Saudi Arabia's Ali Alnakhli secured gold with a time of 11.31 seconds, while Indonesia's Saptoyogo Purnomo took silver. Sujith MS placed sixth in the men's long jump T13 final with a best effort of 5.74 metres.
Badminton and swimming updates
Naveen Sivakumar moved into the men's singles SL4 badminton semifinals after defeating South Korea's Kyung Hwan Shin 21-14, 21-4 in just 26 minutes. Suhas Yathiraj also reached the semifinals earlier, guaranteeing multiple medal opportunities for the nation. Ruthick Ragupathi suffered a quarterfinal defeat in the SU5 category against China's Mingpan Li.
Himanshu Nandal qualified for the men's 100m breaststroke SB11 final in para-swimming. He clocked 1:21.52 to advance as the fourth-fastest swimmer, following his earlier bronze medal finish in the 400m freestyle S11 event.
India currently holds joint fifth place in the overall standings. The contingent has collected 41 medals so far, comprising 11 gold, 13 silver, and 17 bronze. Strong track and field outcomes consistently boost the nation's global sporting profile during major international tournaments.
With inputs from Agency Threads and Image courtesy: ANI
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