Soumya Kumar Wins Gold Medal at Asian Para Games 2026 in Women's 1500m T12/T13
Indian para-athlete Soumya secured a gold medal in the Women's 1500m T12/T13 event, and Venkatesh Radha earned silver, at the 5th Asian Para Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on October 19, 2026.
India is celebrating a spectacular day at the 5th Asian Para Games 2026 as para-athlete Soumya clinched a gold medal in the Women's 1500m T12/T13 event today, October 19, 2026. The historic achievement was amplified by compatriot Venkatesh Radha, who secured the silver medal in the same race, marking a dominant one-two finish for India on the athletic track. Soumya, guided by Bharath Kumar, clocked a personal best of 5:12.39 to win gold with 621 points. Radha, with guide Govind Solanki, secured silver with 421 points after clocking 5:30.90. Japan's Mana Sasaki took the bronze medal. The double podium finish underscores India's growing prowess in para-sports and adds significant momentum to the nation's medal tally early in the Games. Nishad Kumar Wins Gold Medal at Asian Para Games 2026 in Men’s Long Jump T47.
A Day of Triumph in Aichi-Nagoya
The 5th Asian Para Games, hosted in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, commenced on October 18, 2026, and will run until October 24, 2026. The multi-sport event brings together athletes with disabilities from across Asia to compete in 18 diverse sports. The opening ceremony, held at the Nagoya City Mizuho Athletic Stadium on October 18, set the stage for a week of inspiring performances.
Soumya's victory in the visually impaired classification (T12/T13) 1500m event was a testament to her rigorous training and unwavering determination. Her dominant performance, alongside Venkatesh Radha's silver, further solidified India's commanding presence in the middle-distance event, showcasing the depth of talent within the Indian contingent.
India's Strong Start Continues
The athletics gold and silver are part of a broader impressive performance by India on the second day of the Games. Earlier today, India's Mona Agarwal secured a gold medal in the women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event with a score of 250.0 points, setting a new Asian Para Games record. Fellow Indian shooter Avani Lekhara, a Paralympic champion, secured the silver in a closely contested final with 249.6 points, further contributing to India's one-two finishes. Mona Agarwal also set a new Asian Para Games qualification record with 629.1 points. Mona Agarwal Wins Gold Medal At Asian Para Games 2026 in Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1.
These early medals signal a promising outlook for India at the Aichi-Nagoya Games. With athletes consistently delivering top-tier performances, the nation hopes to surpass its previous medal hauls and celebrate more triumphs in the coming days.
Soumya and Venkatesh Radha's extraordinary achievement in the Women's 1500m T12/T13 event serves as a powerful inspiration, highlighting the spirit of perseverance and excellence at the heart of the Asian Para Games. India eagerly anticipates more such moments as the competition unfolds.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 19, 2026 04:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).