Mona Agarwal Wins Gold and Sets World Record at Asian Para Games

Mona Agarwal, an accomplished shooter from India, made a significant mark at the 2026 Asian Para Games held in Aichi-Nagoya by winning two gold medals and setting a world record. Competing in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions SH1, she achieved a remarkable score of 357.5 points, which not only earned her the gold medal but also established a new world record. Additionally, Agarwal won gold in the 10m air rifle standing SH1 with a Games record score of 250.0 points. Her outstanding performances were instrumental in contributing to India’s best-ever medal haul at the event, totaling 114 medals, including 30 golds, thereby surpassing their previous record from the Hangzhou Games in 2023.

The 2026 Asian Para Games showcased the exceptional talent of para-athletes from India, with Agarwal’s achievements highlighting the nation's growing prowess in sports. The Games served as a platform for athletes to demonstrate their skills, and Agarwal's performance was a testament to her dedication and hard work. Despite competing with a smaller contingent of 168 athletes, India managed to secure a significant increase in medal counts, particularly in athletics, badminton, shooting, and archery. On the final day of competition, India achieved its largest single-day gold medal haul, winning nine golds across various sports.

Notable performances included star javelin thrower Sumit Antil, who led a 1-2-3 finish in the men's F42-44/61-64 combined event, and Pranav Soorma, who defended his title in the men's club throw F51 with a Games-record effort. These accomplishments underscored the depth of talent within the Indian contingent at the Games. In addition to individual sports, the badminton team also excelled, securing three gold medals. Paris Paralympic champion Nitesh Kumar and Games debutant Naveen Sivakumar were among the standout performers. Kumar triumphed over fellow Indian Pramod Bhagat in the men’s singles SL3 final, while Thulasimathi Murugesan and Manasi Joshi teamed up to win the women’s doubles SL3-SU5.

The collective success of the athletes in various disciplines contributed significantly to India's overall medal tally. Looking ahead, the achievements at the 2026 Asian Para Games set a promising precedent for future competitions. With the upcoming Paralympics in 2028, athletes like Agarwal are expected to continue their pursuit of excellence, aiming to further elevate India’s standing in global para-sports. The success of the Indian team not only reflects their individual talents but also showcases the growing support and infrastructure for para-sports in the country, paving the way for future generations.