India finishes fourth in Aichi-Nagoya with 30 gold, 35 silver and 49 bronze medals; M3M Foundation-supported Lakshya scholars add to the nation’s para-sport success.
NEW DELHI (India CSR): India has delivered its finest-ever performance at the Asian Para Games, winning a record 114 medals at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 edition in Japan. The Indian contingent secured 30 gold, 35 silver and 49 bronze medals, surpassing its previous best tally of 108 medals at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games in 2023 and finishing fourth overall.
The record medal haul represents far more than a numerical milestone. It reflects the growing depth, discipline and competitive confidence of India’s para-athletes, who delivered podium performances across athletics, badminton, swimming, shooting, archery, table tennis, judo and powerlifting.
Para-athletics emerged as India’s largest medal contributor with 65 medals, followed by para-badminton with 16 medals and para-swimming with 11 medals. The campaign featured world records, Games records, historic firsts and strong performances by athletes including Sheetal Devi, Nishad Kumar, Pranav Soorma, Simran Sharma and Mona Agarwal.
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A Defining Moment for Indian Para-Sport
Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson of the Paralympic Committee of India and Chairperson & Trustee of M3M Foundation, congratulated the athletes for their extraordinary achievement. She described the record medal haul as a moment of immense national pride and a reflection of the determination behind every athlete’s journey.
“This is a moment of immense pride for India. Our athletes have demonstrated extraordinary courage, determination and sporting excellence, making the entire nation proud,” Dr. Kanodia said.
“As a sportsperson myself, I understand the years of hard work and sacrifice behind every achievement. To witness India reach this historic milestone during my tenure as Chairperson of PCI is truly special,” she added.
Dr. Kanodia said her vision is to see Indian para-sports grow further through greater opportunities, stronger support systems and wider recognition for athletes aspiring to represent the country. Her remarks underline an important reality: medals are won on the field, but sustained success depends on access to training, coaching, equipment, nutrition, rehabilitation, travel support and long-term institutional backing.
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Lakshya Scholars Add to India’s Medal Story
M3M Foundation’s Lakshya programme also featured in India’s historic campaign through the accomplishments of its supported athletes.
Bhawna Choudhary, a Lakshya scholar supported by M3M Foundation, secured a historic silver medal with Pooja Jatyan in the women’s recurve doubles event. Their performance marked India’s first-ever Asian Para Games medal in the event and added an important chapter to the country’s para-archery journey.
Another Lakshya scholar, Manjeet Vyas, won a silver medal in the men’s javelin throw F12/F13 event. His achievement highlighted the strength of India’s para-athletics contingent and demonstrated the impact of sustained support for athletes with high potential.
These achievements are significant because they represent more than individual success. They demonstrate how mentorship, financial assistance and long-term confidence in athletes can help talent translate into international performance.
Bhawna, a Lakshya scholar supported by M3M Foundation, delivered a historic performance in compound archery, emerging as India’s top performer in the discipline at the Asian Para Games 2026
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Sport, Inclusion and Social Impact
India’s para-sport journey is increasingly becoming a story of inclusion, ambition and national aspiration. Para-athletes are not only rewriting medal records; they are challenging social barriers around disability, representation and opportunity.
A strong para-sport ecosystem gives athletes the chance to compete with dignity and confidence. It also inspires young persons with disabilities, families, schools and communities to view sport as a pathway towards excellence, leadership and independence.
Corporate foundations and social-sector organisations have an important role in this ecosystem. Their support can help bridge gaps that athletes often face, particularly in access to specialised training, sports equipment, physiotherapy, travel and competition exposure.
Through Lakshya, M3M Foundation supports promising athletes and seeks to contribute to a more inclusive sporting ecosystem. The programme’s association with athletes such as Bhawna and Manjeet reflects how targeted philanthropy can support India’s wider sporting ambitions.
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Building a Lasting Sporting Legacy
M3M Foundation is the philanthropic arm of M3M Group and works across education, health, livelihoods, sports and environment. The Foundation states that its initiatives reach communities across 21 states, four Union Territories and more than 1,300 villages, impacting over five million lives.
India’s record 114-medal performance in Aichi-Nagoya now sets a new benchmark for the country’s para-sport movement. The next challenge will be to build on this achievement by strengthening grassroots talent identification, improving access to infrastructure and ensuring that promising athletes receive sustained support throughout their careers.
For India’s para-athletes, the Asian Para Games 2026 will be remembered as a defining chapter. For the country, it is a reminder that when courage meets opportunity, extraordinary achievement follows.
