Indian Para-Athletes Script History, Cross 100-Medal Mark In Asian Games

Indian para-athletes continue to excel at the fourth Asian Para Games held in Hangzhou. In a big milestone, India won its 100th medal at the event, thanks to Dilip Gavit's remarkable victory in the men's T-47 400m event, which secured their 26th gold medal.

100-Medal Feat - Making History

In the past, India achieved its most impressive results during the 2018 Asian Para Games in Indonesia, with Indian para-athletes securing a total of 72 medals.

For the 100th medal, Gavit clinched a gold medal in the Men's 400m T47 competition, achieving this prestigious victory with an impressive run time of 49.48 seconds. This marked a historic moment as the Indian para-athletes secured a total of 100 medals for the first time, marking their most successful campaign in the history of the Para Asian Games.

India's tally stands at 26 golds, 29 silvers and 45 bronze medals.

Prime Minister Congratulates

PM Narendra Modi took to X, formerly Twitter, to congratulate the athletes. Celebrating their success, he credited it to the exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and relentless efforts of the athletes.

"This remarkable milestone fills our hearts with immense pride. I extend my deepest appreciation and gratitude to our incredible athletes, coaches and the entire support system working with them."

Furthermore, highlighting that today's youth can achieve anything he wrote, "These victories are a source of inspiration for everyone, reminding us that our youth can overcome any challenge, and nothing is beyond their reach."

100 MEDALS at the Asian Para Games! A moment of unparalleled joy. This success is a result of the sheer talent, hard work, and determination of our athletes.

This remarkable milestone fills our hearts with immense pride. I extend my deepest appreciation and gratitude to our… pic.twitter.com/UYQD0F9veM

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 28, 2023

Other ministers and political leaders also took to the social media platform to join hands in the celebration of India's unwavering success. Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Anurag Thakur wrote, "Then came the shower of medals, this time also crossed 100 in Para."

फिर हुई मेडल्स की बौछार,
अबकी बार पैरा में भी 100 पार।#JoshHoTohAisa#VijetaBharat pic.twitter.com/9utItPpLfc

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) October 28, 2023

Chief Minister of Odisha wrote, "Congratulations to the Indian contingent at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou on crossing the 100-medal mark for the first time."

Congratulations to the Indian contingent at the #AsianParaGames in Hangzhou on crossing the 100-medal mark for the first time. The hard work, commitment and dedication of our athletes have helped reach this historic milestone. May they continue to make the nation proud with their… pic.twitter.com/Up117Tgzyi

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) October 28, 2023

Memorable Performances

As reported by ESPN, Sumit Antil secured a gold medal in the javelin throw F64 event, setting a new world record of 73.29 meters. This accomplishment surpasses his previous world record of 70.83 meters, which he achieved when he won gold at the World Para Athletics Championships in Paris earlier this year.

Prachi Yadav secured a gold, following her silver win on the first day. Notably, she achieved the distinction of being the first Indian to claim a gold medal in para canoe at the Asian Para Games.

Ankur Dhama made history by becoming the first Indian athlete to achieve two gold medals in a single edition of the Asian Para Games. He secured the gold medal in the men's T11 1500m race and also won the T11 5000m gold medal.

Suggested Reading: India Shines Bright At 2023 Asian Para Games: A Look At Major Wins