New Delhi, 24 October (H.S.):

Indian javelin thrower Navdeep Singh has credited the training facilities at the Sports Authority of India's (SAI) Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi as one of the factors that contributed to his bronze-medal finish at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. He said practising on the stadium's main track alongside fellow athletes helped him adapt to the competitive environment and prepare more effectively for the continental event.

India finished fourth at the Games with a record 114 medals, comprising 30 gold, 35 silver and 49 bronze. This was the country's best-ever performance at the Asian Para Games. Para-athletics emerged as India's biggest medal contributor, accounting for 65 medals, including 22 gold, 19 silver and 24 bronze.

Navdeep won bronze in the men's javelin throw F40/F41 event on Friday, improving on his fourth-place finish at the previous edition. The Paralympic gold medallist said the opportunity to train at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium ahead of the competition had proved particularly beneficial.

Speaking to SAI Media, Navdeep said most members of the Indian contingent participating in the Asian Para Games had prepared at the stadium. The experience, he explained, helped them familiarise themselves with the surroundings and gain a better understanding of the competitive atmosphere.

He also praised the stadium authorities for prioritising athletes' training requirements despite Indian Super League football matches being held during the same period. According to him, the arrangements ensured that athletes could continue their preparations without unnecessary disruption.

Navdeep highlighted the importance of having uninterrupted access to the main track, particularly for athletes whose disciplines require dedicated practice space. While runners need a clear track to train effectively, javelin throwers often have to wait for their turn to use the throwing area. He said the facilities at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium helped minimise such difficulties.

“I primarily train at the Sports Authority of India's regional centres in Bengaluru, Sonepat and Gandhinagar. The facilities there are relatively less crowded, so I do not have to wait for other athletes to finish their javelin throws. I found similar arrangements at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium,” he said.

Navdeep added that the arrangements allowed him to concentrate entirely on his preparation rather than worrying about scheduling his training sessions around other athletes. He also expressed hope that he would return to the stadium for training during the next season.

Several Medal-Winning Para-Athletes Trained at JLN Stadium

Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium served as a training base for several Indian para-athletes who delivered notable performances at the Aichi-Nagoya Games.

Praveen Kumar won gold in the men's high jump T64 event, while Sandeep Kumar secured the top position in the men's 400m T64 competition. Pranav Soorma also claimed gold in the men's club throw F51 event. Sandeep further distinguished himself by setting a world record in the 400m race.

Rinku Hooda won gold in the men's javelin throw F46 event, while Simran Sharma secured gold medals in both the women's 100m and 200m T12 races. She also established new Games records in both events.

India's silver medallists included Manjeet in the men's javelin throw F12/F13 event, Nimisha Chakkungalparambil in the women's long jump T47, and Varun Singh Bhati in the men's high jump T63. Preeti Pal won silver in both the women's 100m and 200m T35 events, while Ajeet Singh Yadav secured silver in the men's javelin throw F46 competition.

Among the bronze medallists were Sandeep Kumar in the men's 100m T44 event, Sandip Sanjay Sargar in the combined men's javelin throw category, Navdeep Singh in the men's javelin throw F40/F41 event and Anubhav Choudhary in the men's 100m T35 race.

More than 50 para-athletes train at the Sports Authority of India's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, making it an important training centre for athletes preparing for major domestic and international competitions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar