Aichi-Nagoya, 21 October (H.S.): India’s Bhagyashri Jadhav won the silver medal in the women’s F34 shot put at the Asian Para Games 2026, setting a personal best of 8.19 metres. Rakeshbhai Bhatt also added to India’s medal tally, securing bronze in the men’s T37 100-metre sprint with a personal-best time.

In the women’s shot put event, Bhagyashri recorded her best effort of 8.19 metres in her third attempt, improving on her second-attempt throw of 8.14 metres.

Her 8.19-metre effort initially equalled the existing Asian Para Games record. However, China’s Zhou Lijuan produced a throw of 9.07 metres to establish a new Games record and clinch the gold medal. Zhou’s winning effort was slightly short of her world record of 9.25 metres.

Bhagyashri’s silver medal marked another significant achievement for the Indian contingent. Her consistent performance and personal-best effort strengthened her challenge in the competition and secured her a place on the podium.

Meanwhile, Rakeshbhai Bhatt won bronze in the men’s T37 100-metre final, clocking a personal-best time of 11.50 seconds.

Saudi Arabia’s Ali Alnakhli claimed the gold medal in 11.31 seconds, while Indonesia’s Saptayogo Purnomo secured silver after completing the race in 11.35 seconds.

The two medals further strengthened India’s presence in athletics at the Games. Bhagyashri’s personal-best performance and Rakeshbhai’s podium finish made valuable contributions to India’s campaign at the continental para-sport event.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar