Asian Para Games 2026: Deepthi Jeevanji wins gold, India's tally hits 23 medals
Synopsis
Deepthi Jeevanji didn't just win gold at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games 2026 — she defended her title and broke the Games Record in the Women's 400m T20, earning a personal congratulation from President Murmu on X. With India's tally now at 23 medals and competition ongoing, the para-athletics squad is delivering one of the country's strongest-ever campaigns at the Games.
Key Takeaways
Deepthi Jeevanji won gold in the Women's 400m T20 , setting a new Games Record and successfully defending her title at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games 2026 .
Bhavina Patel claimed bronze in Women's Singles Class 4–5 para table tennis.
Sonalben Patel won bronze in Women's Singles Class 3 — her first-ever singles medal at the Asian Para Games.
Praveen Sharma bagged bronze in Men's Shot Put F11 on his debut appearance at the Games.
India's overall medal tally stands at 23 — 5 golds , 8 silvers , and 10 bronzes .
President Droupadi Murmu personally congratulated all four athletes via a post on X .
President Droupadi Murmu on 20 October 2026 congratulated four Indian para-athletes — Deepthi Jeevanji, Bhavina Patel, Sonalben Patel, and Praveen Sharma — on their podium finishes at the ongoing Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games 2026. India's overall medal tally now stands at 23, comprising five golds, eight silvers, and 10 bronzes.
Deepthi Jeevanji's Historic Gold
Deepthi Jeevanji claimed the gold medal in the Women's 400m T20 event, successfully defending her title and setting a new Games Record in the process. The victory added a fifth gold to India's tally at the Games and cemented Deepthi's standing as one of the country's foremost para-track athletes. President Murmu, posting her congratulations on X, called the achievement 'even more special' given the title defence and the new record.
'My warmest congratulations to Deepthi Jeevanji on winning the Gold Medal in the Women's 400m T20 at the Asian Para Games 2026. Setting a new Games Record and successfully defending your title makes this golden triumph even more special. Your outstanding performance brings immense pride to Bharat!' President Murmu wrote.
Bhavina and Sonalben Shine in Para Table Tennis
Bhavina Patel secured a bronze medal in the Women's Singles Class 4–5 para table tennis event, while Sonalben Patel claimed bronze in Women's Singles Class 3 — her first-ever singles medal at the Asian Para Games. President Murmu noted the milestone for Sonalben, expressing hope that the achievement would inspire aspiring table tennis players across the country.
'I congratulate Sonalben Patel on winning her first-ever singles medal, a Bronze in Women's Singles Class 3 Para Table Tennis at the Asian Para Games 2026. This is a cherished milestone in your sporting journey,' Murmu said in her message.
Praveen Sharma Marks a Debut to Remember
Praveen Sharma added to India's bronze haul with a podium finish in the Men's Shot Put F11. Notably, this was Praveen's debut appearance at the Asian Para Games, making the medal an especially significant personal milestone. President Murmu expressed hope that the experience would deepen his commitment to the sport.
India's Medal Tally at the Aichi-Nagoya Games
India's cumulative tally of 23 medals — 5 golds, 8 silvers, and 10 bronzes — reflects a strong campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games 2026. The para-athletics and para table tennis disciplines have been among the country's most productive, consistent with the trend seen at previous editions of the Games. With competition still ongoing, the tally could rise further before the closing ceremony.
Point of View
But Sonalben Patel's first-ever singles medal and Praveen Sharma's debut podium are the stories that often get buried beneath the top gold. India's para-athletics pipeline is clearly deepening, and a 23-medal tally with competition still ongoing deserves more than a footnote in the national sports conversation.
NationPress
20 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Deepthi Jeevanji win at the Asian Para Games 2026?
Deepthi Jeevanji won the gold medal in the Women's 400m T20 event at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games 2026, setting a new Games Record while successfully defending her title from the previous edition.
How many medals has India won at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games 2026?
India's medal tally stands at 23 as of 20 October 2026, comprising five golds, eight silvers, and ten bronzes, with the Games still ongoing.
What is significant about Sonalben Patel's bronze medal?
Sonalben Patel's bronze in Women's Singles Class 3 para table tennis is her first-ever singles medal at the Asian Para Games, marking a landmark moment in her sporting career.
Who is Praveen Sharma and what did he achieve?
Praveen Sharma is an Indian para-athlete who won a bronze medal in the Men's Shot Put F11 event at the Asian Para Games 2026. This was his debut appearance at the Games, making the medal particularly notable.
Why did President Murmu congratulate the athletes on X?
President Droupadi Murmu posted individual congratulatory messages on X for all four athletes — Deepthi Jeevanji, Bhavina Patel, Sonalben Patel, and Praveen Sharma — to recognise their podium finishes at the ongoing Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games 2026.
