Deepthi Jeevanji Wins Gold at Asian Para Games, Sets Games Record in Women’s 400m T20

Aichi-Nagoya (Japan), October 20: Indian para-athlete Deepthi Jeevanji clinched the gold medal in the women’s 400m T20 event at the 2026 Asian Para Games on Tuesday, setting a new Games record with a time of 56.36 seconds.

The Paris 2024 Paralympics bronze medallist dominated the race, finishing more than two seconds ahead of her closest rival. Japan’s Niina Kanno secured the silver medal in 58.92 seconds, while compatriot Akane Kato claimed bronze with a time of 1:00.26.

Jeevanji’s triumph marked India’s fifth gold medal at the competition and the country’s first gold on Day 2 of the Games.

Bhavina Patel Wins Bronze in Para Table Tennis

India’s Bhavina Patel secured a bronze medal in women’s singles Class 4-5 para table tennis after losing her semifinal against China’s Zhang Bian.

Patel, a silver medallist at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, went down 7-11, 5-11, 7-11 in straight games. Her campaign in the singles event concluded with the semifinal defeat.

Pramod Bhagat, Manisha Ramdass Assure India of a Medal

In para badminton, India’s mixed SL3-SU5 pair of Pramod Bhagat and Manisha Ramdass advanced to the semifinals, assuring the country of another medal.

The Indian duo defeated Thailand’s Chanida Srinavakul and Siripong Teamarrom 21-15, 21-14 in the quarterfinals. The match lasted just 25 minutes, with the Indians securing victory in straight games.

Indian Para Archers Advance to Quarterfinals

India also recorded a strong performance in para archery, with six athletes advancing to the quarterfinals in their respective individual events.

Harvinder Singh progressed in the men’s recurve category, while Bhawna advanced in the women’s recurve event.

In the compound categories, Sheetal Devi, Payal Nag, Toman Kumar and Shyam Sunder Swami also secured quarterfinal berths, strengthening India’s medal prospects at the continental competition.

With Jeevanji’s record-breaking gold and encouraging performances across table tennis, badminton and archery, the Indian contingent continued its campaign at the 2026 Asian Para Games with several notable results.