Ayush Verma Wins Gold Medal at Asian Para Games 2026 in Men’s Shot Put F53
Ayush Verma clinched a gold medal for India in the men's shot put F53 event at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games on Wednesday, October 21, with a winning throw of 8.16m. This victory marks his second medal at the Games, as he previously earned a bronze in the men's javelin throw F53/F54 event on Tuesday.
Indian para-athlete Ayush Verma has soared to new heights at the 5th Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, securing a triumphant gold medal in the men's shot put F53 event on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. This remarkable achievement marks his second medal of the Games, following a bronze in the men's javelin throw F53/F54 event just yesterday. Praveen Kumar Wins Gold Medal at Asian Para Games 2022 in Men’s High Jump T64.
Verma, who hails from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, showcased incredible strength and precision, recording a formidable throw of 8.16 metres in his fifth attempt to claim the top spot on the podium. His dominant performance pushed Iran's Alireza Hemami to second place with a throw of 8.09m, while Kazakhstan's Makhambet Serikkaliyev secured the bronze with 6.81m.
India's Double-Digit Gold Haul
This shot put gold is a significant milestone for the Indian contingent, bringing their total gold medal tally at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games to ten. Overall, India's medal count now stands at an impressive 38, demonstrating the nation's growing prowess in para-sports.
Verma, aged 35, had already opened his medal account on Tuesday, October 20, by securing a bronze in the men's javelin throw F53/F54 event. Despite competing in a combined classification, his throw of 17.88m earned him the medal based on Raza points.
The F53 Classification Explained
The F53 classification is designated for field athletes who experience a high degree of movement impairment in their trunk and legs, with a low level of impact on hand grip. Competitors in this category perform in seated positions, generating force primarily using their chest, upper back, and shoulders. Verma's mastery of this technique has been evident throughout his career. Nishad Kumar Wins Gold Medal at Asian Para Games 2026 in Men's High Jump T47.
Athlete Profile: Ayush Verma
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ayush Verma |
| Born | July 15, 1991 |
| Age (Oct 21, 2026) | 35 years old |
| Hails From | Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Coach | Robin Kumar |
| Disciplines | Shot Put (F53), Javelin Throw (F53/F54) |
| Key Achievements (Pre-APG 2026) | Gold - Indian Open International Para Athletics Championship |
| Two Golds, One Silver - World Para Athletics Grand Prix, New Delhi | |
| Gold - 2nd Khelo India Para Games |
Asian Para Games 2026 Overview
The 5th Asian Para Games, also known as Aichi-Nagoya 2026, is currently underway in Japan, featuring 2,590 athletes from 45 nations competing across 489 events in 18 sports. The event, which parallels the 2026 Asian Games, commenced on October 18 and will conclude on October 24, 2026. The main venue for many of the events is the Paloma Mizuho Stadium.
Ayush Verma's golden triumph underscores India's strong presence at the ongoing Asian Para Games, with more medal hopes still alive as the competition progresses towards its closing ceremony on Sunday.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 21, 2026 09:18 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).