Odisha CM Majhi hails Akira Banothu's Asian Para Games silver
Synopsis
Odisha para athlete Akira Banothu claimed silver in the 400m T35/T38 at the Asian Para Games 2026, setting a new Games Record. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi publicly congratulated Banothu, calling his achievement 'exceptional' and his spirit 'truly inspiring.'
Key Takeaways
Akira Banothu won the silver medal in the 400m T35/T38 event at the Asian Para Games 2026 .
Banothu broke the Games Record in the event, setting a new continental benchmark.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi issued a public congratulatory message praising Banothu's 'determination, perseverance and sporting spirit.' The T35/T38 classifications cover athletes with coordination impairments including neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy.
Banothu's performance positions him as a contender for national honours and eventual 2028 Paralympics qualification.
Odisha has consistently used high-profile public recognition to reinforce its identity as a sports-forward state.
A Games Record and a silver medal — Akira Banothu stepped off the track at the Asian Para Games 2026 having done both, and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi wasted no time marking the moment. The Chief Minister's Office of Odisha announced on Wednesday, 21 October 2026 that Banothu had won the silver medal in the 400m T35/T38 event, breaking the Games Record in the process.
The T35/T38 track and what the record means
The T35 and T38 classifications cover athletes with coordination impairments — conditions affecting muscle control, balance and coordination such as cerebral palsy and related neurological conditions. Competing across these classifications in a combined event means Banothu was racing against a field drawn from two disability bands, making a Games Record all the more significant. It signals not just a personal best, but a new benchmark for para athletics at the continental level.
Odisha has steadily built a reputation as one of India's more active states in spotlighting para and able-bodied athletes at national and international competitions. The public congratulation from the CM's office fits a broader pattern of the state government using visible acknowledgement to reinforce its sports-promotion agenda.
CM Majhi's message and what he said
The congratulatory post, attributed to Honourable CM Shri Mohan Majhi, described Banothu's achievement as 'exceptional' and highlighted his 'determination, perseverance and sporting spirit' as 'truly inspiring.' The language is pointed: it frames the athlete not merely as a medal-winner but as a model for aspiring para athletes across the state and the country.
Majhi, who took office as Chief Minister of Odisha in 2024, has made public recognition of sporting milestones a visible feature of his administration's communications — consistent with the state government's investment in sports infrastructure over recent years.
Where Banothu goes from here
With a continental silver and a Games Record now on his résumé, Akira Banothu enters the frame as a serious contender for higher honours. The next logical milestones on the para athletics calendar include national championships and, further down the road, qualification cycles for the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles. Whether Odisha follows the congratulation with structured support — training grants, exposure camps, or formal state-level recognition — will be the real measure of intent.
One silver medal, one broken record, and a state government paying attention. The track is set for what comes next.
Point of View
Specifically, carries added political weight: it signals inclusivity at a time when disability sports are gaining mainstream visibility across Asia. The real test is whether this congratulation converts into structural support — scholarships, training infrastructure, or formal state honours — that could make Banothu's trajectory a repeatable model rather than a one-off story.
NationPress
21 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Akira Banothu?
Akira Banothu is a para athlete from Odisha who competes in T35/T38 classification track events. He won the silver medal and broke the Games Record in the 400m T35/T38 at the Asian Para Games 2026.
What is the T35/T38 classification in para athletics?
T35 and T38 are para athletics classifications for athletes with coordination impairments — conditions such as cerebral palsy and related neurological disorders that affect muscle control and balance.
What did Akira Banothu achieve at the Asian Para Games 2026?
He won the silver medal in the 400m T35/T38 event and broke the Games Record at the Asian Para Games 2026.
Who is Mohan Charan Majhi?
Mohan Charan Majhi is the Chief Minister of Odisha, having taken office in 2024. He issued the congratulatory message for Banothu's achievement.
What is the Asian Para Games?
The Asian Para Games is a quadrennial multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities organised by the Asian Paralympic Committee, held across Asia.
