New Delhi : India delivered a commanding performance at the Asian Para Archery Championships, finishing second in the overall medal tally after a string of remarkable results spearheaded by Tokyo Paralympic bronze medallist Harvinder Singh. The Indian contingent ended their campaign with nine medals, including an impressive haul of four golds.
Harvinder Singh, competing in the men’s recurve events, stole the spotlight with two glittering gold medals—one in the individual recurve category and another as part of the men’s team. His consistency, nerve, and experience shone through, cementing his status as one of India’s most accomplished para-archers.
“This has been one of my most satisfying tournaments,” Harvinder said after his final. “I came here determined to test my progress in preparation for Paris 2024 and to contribute to India’s medal tally. Winning two golds feels like a dream.”
India’s Medal Rush
The Indian team’s success extended beyond Harvinder’s triumphs. The women archers and compound shooters contributed significantly to the nine-medal haul. Among the standout performances:
Pooja Jatyan captured silver in the women’s recurve event, displaying grit and composure under pressure.
Rakesh Kumar, a consistent force in compound archery, secured a gold medal in the men’s compound open category.
The mixed team events also brought medals, with India clinching a silver and two bronzes across different divisions.
With a total of four golds, three silvers, and two bronzes, India only trailed behind host nation China, who topped the table with a commanding medal count.
Building Momentum for Paris Paralympics
The Championships, held in Bangkok, Thailand, were a crucial testing ground ahead of next year’s Paralympic Games in Paris. India’s showing demonstrated the depth of its para-archery program and underlined the steady progress the team has made in recent years.
Archery Association of India officials praised the athletes for their discipline and resilience. “This is one of our best performances at the continental level,” said team coach Satyadev Prasad. “The experience here will be vital as we fine-tune our preparations for the Paralympics.”
A New Generation Emerging
Beyond the medal winners, several young archers impressed with their poise, including first-time international competitors who made it into the quarterfinals and semifinals. Coaches have described this as a promising sign of sustainable success.
India’s para-archery rise has been marked by steady investment in training facilities, international exposure, and support for grassroots talent. Harvinder Singh’s double gold has become a symbol of what is possible with that backing—and a reminder that India is emerging as a serious force in para-sport on the global stage.
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