New Delhi, 19 October (H.S.): India made an impressive start to the Asian Para Games, winning 11 medals, including four gold, five silver and two bronze, on the opening day of sporting events. At the conclusion of the day's competitions, India stood fourth in the overall medal standings.

India's first gold medal of the day came from shooter Mona Agarwal, who topped the women's event with a score of 250 points. Her compatriot and Paralympic champion Avani Lekhara secured the silver medal with 249.6 points.

India added two more medals in judo. Kokila won silver, while Kapil Parmar secured bronze after winning his bronze-medal bout, further strengthening India's medal tally.

Indian athletes also delivered impressive performances in athletics. Nishad Kumar won gold in the long jump, earning India its second gold medal of the day. Rinku Hooda, Soumya, Ajit Singh, V. Ravanni and Radha Venkatesh also won medals. India secured a total of six medals in athletics, including three gold.

In swimming, Ravi Budigina claimed the silver medal in the men's 100-metre freestyle S13 event. With medal-winning performances in shooting, judo, athletics and swimming, Indian athletes gave the country a strong start to the competition.

China topped the medal table with 44 medals, comprising 15 gold, 15 silver and 14 bronze. Uzbekistan ranked second with 20 medals, including six gold, eight silver and six bronze. Host nation Japan stood third with 17 medals—five gold, two silver and 10 bronze.

India occupied fourth place with 11 medals, comprising four gold, five silver and two bronze. Kazakhstan ranked fifth with 12 medals, including three gold, three silver and six bronze.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar