New Delhi, 24 October (H.S.): The fifth Asian Para Games 2026 concluded with a grand closing ceremony in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Saturday, as India delivered its best-ever performance at the continental para-sports event, securing a record 114 medals.

Indian athletes finished fourth in the overall medal standings, winning 30 gold, 35 silver and 49 bronze medals. The historic achievement surpassed the country’s previous best of 108 medals at the 2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China.

Double gold medallists Nishad Kumar and Mona Agarwal carried the Indian flag during the closing ceremony, held at Mizuho Park Athletics Stadium in Nagoya. The ceremony brought together sport, culture and inclusivity, with its central theme, ‘Imagine One Heart’, conveying the message that sport has the power to unite people and nations beyond physical disabilities and other differences.

The event featured a vibrant blend of traditional Japanese art and modern technology. Performances by local musicians and wheelchair dancers captivated the audience, while athletes from participating nations came together to celebrate the conclusion of a week-long sporting competition and reflect on their experiences.

China Tops Medal Table, Japan Finishes Second

China dominated the medal standings, securing first place with 435 medals, including 207 gold. Hosts Japan finished second with 186 medals, comprising 64 gold, 60 silver and 62 bronze. Uzbekistan claimed third place with 145 medals, including 45 gold, while India secured fourth position with its record tally of 114 medals.

India’s achievement was particularly significant because the country competed with a smaller contingent than at the previous edition. A total of 168 Indian para-athletes participated in the Aichi-Nagoya Games, compared with 309 Indian athletes at the Hangzhou edition.

President Murmu Congratulates Indian Athletes

President Droupadi Murmu congratulated the Indian contingent on its historic performance, describing the achievement as a testament to the athletes’ hard work, determination and self-confidence.

The fifth edition of the Asian Para Games brought together approximately 4,000 athletes and officials from 45 countries and regions. Over seven days, competitions were held across 18 sports, with reports indicating that more than 20 world records were set during the Games.

During the closing ceremony, Majid Rashed, president of the Asian Paralympic Committee, formally declared the Games closed. The ceremony also highlighted the role of para-sports in promoting inclusivity, equal opportunities and greater participation in society.

As the event drew to a close, the Asian Paralympic Committee flag was handed over to representatives of Qatar, the host nation for the next edition. Doha will host the sixth Asian Para Games in 2030. The ceremony concluded with the extinguishing of the Games’ flame, marking the end of the sporting celebration in Aichi-Nagoya.

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

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar