Deepthi Jeevanji, Praveen Kumar Set Games Records as India Wins Three Athletics Medals at Asian Para Games

Nagoya, Oct 2026 : Indian athletes Deepthi Jeevanji and Praveen Kumar delivered outstanding performances at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan, winning gold medals and setting new Games records. India also celebrated a silver medal in the men’s high jump, with Bunti finishing second behind Praveen in the same event.

Telangana-born Deepthi successfully defended her title in the women’s 400m T20 event, clocking 56.36 seconds to win gold and establish a new Games record. The 23-year-old improved on her previous winning time of 56.59 seconds, recorded in 2022, by 0.23 seconds.

Japan’s Nina Kano secured the silver medal, while compatriot Akari Kato took bronze.

Deepthi’s latest triumph adds to an impressive international career. She has won medals at the Para Athletics World Championships on two occasions, including a gold medal in 2024. She has also won a Paralympic bronze medal in the same event.

Athletes competing in the T20 classification have intellectual impairments that can affect aspects of information processing, concentration and race planning. Deepthi’s back-to-back gold medals underline her consistency and ability to perform at the highest level.

Meanwhile, Praveen Kumar, the Paris Paralympics gold medallist from Greater Noida, continued his successful run on the international stage by winning gold in the men’s high jump T44/T64 event on Wednesday, October 21.

Praveen cleared 2.05 metres to claim the top position and set a new Asian Para Games record. His performance further strengthened India’s position in para athletics and added another major achievement to his career.

India’s success in the event was made more memorable by Bunti, who secured the silver medal with a jump of 1.92 metres. The effort marked a personal best for the Indian athlete.

The one-two finish ensured that India claimed both gold and silver in the men’s high jump, highlighting the depth of the country’s talent in para athletics.

Praveen’s 2.05-metre clearance was recorded as a new Games record. It should not be described as a world record or a personal best, as the achievement relates specifically to the competition record.

The performances by Deepthi, Praveen and Bunti provided a significant boost to India’s campaign at the 2026 Asian Para Games. While Deepthi demonstrated remarkable consistency by defending her title, Praveen reaffirmed his standing as a leading international high jumper, and Bunti’s personal-best effort completed a memorable Indian one-two finish.

Their achievements reflect the continued progress of Indian para athletics and the country’s ability to compete for top honours across multiple events.