CM Majhi Hails Jayanti Behera's Silver at Asian Para Games 2026
Synopsis
Odisha para-athlete Jayanti Behera claimed silver in the Women's 400m T47 event at the Asian Para Games 2026, clocking 1:00.65. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi publicly praised her dedication and called the win an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country.
Key Takeaways
Jayanti Behera of Odisha won the silver medal in the Women's 400m T47 event at the Asian Para Games 2026 .
Her winning time was 1:00.65 , described by CM Majhi as 'impressive'.
The T47 classification is for athletes with a unilateral upper-limb impairment.
Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi congratulated Behera on October 22, 2026 via X.
The Asian Para Games is a quadrennial event organised by the Asian Paralympic Committee .
India's para-sport participation at continental events has grown steadily since the 2010s .
A timing of 1:00.65 in the Women's 400m T47 event — and Odisha's Jayanti Behera stood on the podium at the Asian Para Games 2026 with a silver medal around her neck. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi took to X on Thursday, October 22 to publicly salute the achievement, calling it 'an inspiration to aspiring athletes' across the country.
A Silver That Speaks Louder Than the Clock
Behera competes in the T47 classification — a category for athletes with a unilateral upper-limb impairment — where field and track demand not just speed but an exceptional command of balance and technique. Clocking 1:00.65 in the 400 metres is a performance that demands respect on any track, para or otherwise. CM Majhi's message was direct: 'Your dedication, resilience and determination are truly commendable. This achievement brings immense pride to Odisha and the nation.'Odisha's Growing Para-Sport Footprint
Odisha has carved a distinct identity in Indian sports infrastructure over the past decade, anchoring investments in hockey and athletics that have made Bhubaneswar a recognisable name on the continental sporting map. Behera's silver sits within that larger story — a state that has deliberately backed athletes at every level, including para-sports, as part of its sporting identity. Indian state governments have increasingly used high-visibility congratulations at continental para events to signal continued investment in the ecosystem, and CM Majhi's post is consistent with that national trend.Para Athletics and the Bigger Indian Push
India's participation in Asian and Paralympic competitions has expanded significantly since the 2010s, with medal tallies climbing and public recognition of para athletes growing in tandem. The Asian Para Games, organised quadrennially by the Asian Paralympic Committee, serve as a crucial proving ground between Paralympic cycles — a stage where athletes like Behera build the competitive record that feeds into global selection conversations. A silver here is not just a moment; it is a marker on a longer journey. Jayanti Behera's 1:00.65 is now part of Odisha's sporting record. The next chapter — whether that is a Paralympic berth or a gold medal run — will be watched closely.Point of View
Each para medal validated on a continental stage strengthens that brand. Behera's silver also arrives at a moment when India's para-sport ecosystem is building toward the next Paralympic cycle, making state recognition a minor but genuine policy nudge toward sustained investment. The post reflects how Indian political leadership has learned to treat para-sport wins not as footnotes but as flagship moments.
NationPress
22 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jayanti Behera?
Jayanti Behera is a para-athlete from Odisha who competes in T47 category track events. She won the silver medal in the Women's 400m T47 at the Asian Para Games 2026 with a time of 1:00.65.
What is the T47 classification in para athletics?
T47 is a para athletics classification for athletes with a unilateral upper-limb impairment — typically a below-elbow limb deficiency or similar condition on one side — who compete in track running events.
What are the Asian Para Games?
The Asian Para Games is a quadrennial multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities, organised by the Asian Paralympic Committee. It serves as a major continental competition between Paralympic cycles.
What time did Jayanti Behera clock in the Women's 400m T47 at Asian Para Games 2026?
Jayanti Behera clocked 1:00.65 in the Women's 400m T47 final, earning her the silver medal at the Asian Para Games 2026.
What did Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi say about Jayanti Behera's medal?
CM Majhi called her achievement 'truly commendable' and said it 'brings immense pride to Odisha and the nation,' adding that it serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes.
