Indian Para Athletics head coach Satyanarayana has expressed strong confidence in India's medal prospects at the Asian Para Games 2025 in Nagoya, Japan, stating that the contingent is 'targeting around 100 medals' at the continental multi-sport event, which officially opens on Sunday, 18 October at Paloma Mizuho Stadium. India has fielded a 168-athlete contingent across 11 sports for the fifth edition of the Games, running from 18 to 24 October.

India's Medal Ambitions and Athletics Outlook

'We are targeting around 100 medals for India, and we believe our athletes have the ability and determination to achieve this. Para athletics will be a crucial part of our medal campaign,' Satyanarayana said ahead of the opening ceremony. He added that India is expecting to win six medals in athletics on the opening day of competition, including two to three gold medals.

Satyanarayana specifically highlighted high jumper Nishad Kumar, noting he is 'looking in good shape' and could potentially 'deliver his personal best and break the Games record.' The coach described these early athletics events as 'important opportunities to make a strong start' to India's campaign.

Building on Hangzhou 2023's Historic Haul

India's target of around 100 medals comes on the back of a record-breaking performance at the previous edition of the Games, held in Hangzhou, China in 2023, where the country secured 111 medals — comprising 29 gold, 31 silver, and 51 bronze — to finish fifth in the overall standings. That remains India's best-ever performance at the Asian Para Games. The current target, while slightly lower in numerical terms, reflects a calibrated approach acknowledging the stiff competition expected from across the continent.

Satyanarayana acknowledged the challenge ahead: 'The competition will be tough, with some of the best athletes from across Asia participating, but our athletes are well prepared and focused on performing to their potential, winning medals and making the country proud.'

Key Athletes to Watch

The Indian contingent features several prominent para-sport stars. Javelin thrower Sumit Antil, para-badminton champion Pramod Bhagat, para-shooter Avani Lekhara, para-archer Sheetal Devi, and sprinter Simran Sharma headline the squad. These athletes bring a combination of international pedigree and medal-winning experience that India will rely upon heavily across the week-long competition.

At the opening ceremony, para-badminton star Pramod Bhagat and sprinter Simran Sharma will serve as India's flag-bearers, leading the 168-member contingent into the arena at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya.

Athlete Morale and Preparations

Satyanarayana also spoke positively about the logistics and environment in Nagoya. 'The athletes are extremely happy with all the arrangements here. The facilities, accommodation and overall support have helped create a positive environment for the team. The athletes are comfortable, motivated and focused on their events. There is a great sense of confidence within the contingent, and everyone is looking forward to giving their best for the country,' he said.

This combination of experienced campaigners and emerging talent underlines how Indian para-sport has increasingly asserted itself on the continental and global stage in recent years.

What to Expect This Week

Athletics events begin on Monday, 19 October, offering India an early platform to build momentum and make a strong statement in the medal table. With 11 disciplines and a week of competition ahead, India's performance at Nagoya 2025 will be a key indicator of the country's growing depth and ambition in para sports ahead of future global events.