Hangzhou: India made a remarkable start at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China, clinching a total of 17 medals on the opening day of the competition.
The Indian contingent secured six gold, six silver, and five bronze medals, positioning India at the fourth spot on the medals tally. This strong performance highlights the exceptional abilities of Indian para-athletes and their commitment to excellence.
The majority of these medals, including five gold, were secured in track and field events, underscoring India's prowess in this discipline.
The day began with a dominant display in the men's club throw F51 event, where all three medals went to Indian athletes.
Pranav Soorma claimed the gold with an Asian Para Games record throw of 30.01 meters, while Dharambir and Amit Kumar took the silver and bronze, respectively. Soorma's inspiring journey includes overcoming a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed at the age of 16. His dedication and hard work led to a silver medal at the 2019 Beijing World Para Athletics Grand Prix event.
Another standout performance came from Avani Lekhara, who made history by securing gold in the women's R2 10m air rifle standing SH1 category with a games record score of 249.6. Avani expressed her elation over winning her first medal at the Asian Para Games and emphasised that this event is an essential part of her preparations for the 2024 Paralympics.
Rudransh Khandelwal contributed to India's medal tally by winning a silver in the P4 mixed 50m pistol SH1 event.
Shailesh Kumar won gold in the men's high jump T63 category, setting an Asian Para Games record with a jump of 1.82 meters, while Mariyappan Thangavelu secured the silver with a jump of 1.80 meters. According to the Asian Paralympic Committee rules, only gold and silver medals were awarded since only three competitors were in the event, falling under the 'minus one rule.'
Nishad Kumar clinched a gold medal in the men's high jump T47 category, clearing a height of 2.02 meters, while Ram Pal won the bronze with an effort of 1.94 meters. Praveen Kumar secured another gold in the high jump T64 event, setting a games record height of 2.02 meters. Renu Unni took the bronze in the high jump T64 category.
Monu Ghangas won the bronze medal in the men's shot put F11 event with a throw of 12.33 meters.
Prachi Yadav secured a silver medal in the women's canoe VL2 event.
In judo, Kapil Parmar claimed silver in the men's 60kg J1 event, and Kokila won bronze in the women's 48kg J2 category.
Aruna bagged a bronze medal in the women's 47kg K44 event in taekwondo.