India made an impressive start to the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Monday, October 19, with its athletes producing strong performances in para-archery and para-shooting. Sheetal Devi delivered one of the day's standout performances by equalling the world record in women's compound archery qualification, while shooter Mona Agarwal topped the qualification standings in the women's 10m air rifle event.
Several prominent Indian para-athletes, including Avani Lekhara, Harvinder Singh and Nishad Kumar, are also competing across different disciplines as the Indian contingent begins its campaign at the continental event.
The opening day's programme features competitions across multiple sports, with Indian athletes targeting medals in athletics, shooting, archery, swimming and powerlifting.
Sheetal Devi Equals World Record in Archery
Indian para-archer Sheetal Devi produced an exceptional performance in the women's compound ranking round, scoring 704 points out of a possible 720. Her score equalled the existing world record and established a new Asian record.
The performance places Sheetal among the leading contenders in the competition and provides India with an encouraging start in para-archery.
Sheetal, who competes using her feet and shoulders to operate her bow, has established herself as one of India's prominent para-archers through her performances at international events. Her qualification-round score demonstrates the consistency and precision required at the highest level of the sport.
Payal Nag also represented India in the women's compound event as the country's archers began their campaign in Nagoya.
Mona Agarwal Leads Shooting Qualification
India also enjoyed a strong showing in para-shooting, where Mona Agarwal finished first in the women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 qualification round. Avani Lekhara secured second place, giving India the top two positions heading into the final.
The result puts both Indian shooters in a strong position as they compete for medals in the event.
Avani, a double Paralympic champion, is one of India's best-known para-shooters. Her experience in major international competitions makes her a key member of the Indian team.
The men's 10m air rifle standing SH1 qualification also featured Indian competitors, including Swaroop Mahavir Unhalkar, Rakesh Nidagundi and Anandha Krishnan H. Their performances formed part of India's broader effort to secure strong results across the shooting programme.
Harvinder Singh Leads India's Para-Archery Challenge
India's archers also began their campaigns in the men's recurve events. Harvinder Singh, India's Paralympic champion, competed alongside Vijay Sundi in the ranking rounds.
India finished first in the men's recurve doubles ranking round with 1,051 points, narrowly ahead of Indonesia, which scored 1,049. China placed third with 1,043 points.
In the individual ranking round, Vijay Sundi finished fourth with 477 points, while Harvinder Singh recorded 467 points to place ninth.
The doubles result provides India with a positive foundation for the next stages of the competition, although the ranking rounds alone do not determine the eventual medal winners.
Nishad Kumar Among India's Medal Contenders
Para-athletics is another major focus for India on the opening day. Nishad Kumar is scheduled to compete in the men's long jump T47 final, while other Indian athletes are taking part in track-and-field events, including javelin and middle-distance running.
Nishad has previously earned international recognition in para-athletics, and his participation adds to India's medal prospects in Nagoya.
Indian competitors are also scheduled to appear in para-swimming and para-powerlifting finals. These events provide further opportunities for the contingent to build momentum during the first day.
India Looks to Build on Previous Success
India won 111 medals, including 29 gold, at the 2022 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, establishing a new benchmark for the country's performance at the competition.
The 2026 edition offers another opportunity for Indian para-athletes to demonstrate their progress across a wide range of disciplines.
With Sheetal Devi equalling a world record and Mona Agarwal and Avani Lekhara securing the top two shooting qualification positions, India's opening-day performances have provided encouraging signs.
The focus now shifts to the finals and subsequent rounds, where athletes will look to convert strong qualification results into medals for India.
