Swati Chaudhary Creates History with India’s First W1 Archery Medal
Swati Chaudhary Wins Historic Silver at Asian Para Games 2026
India’s Swati Chaudhary scripted history on October 22 by winning the country’s first-ever W1 archery medal at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan. The Indian archer claimed silver in the women’s individual W1 event after losing 4–6 to China’s Cen Mengkan in a closely contested final.
The top-seeded Chaudhary looked on course for gold after taking a 4–2 lead, but Mengkan produced a remarkable comeback in the final two sets. The result gave China the gold medal while securing a landmark achievement for Indian para archery.
Swati Chaudhary vs Cen Mengkan: Final Score
Chaudhary made an impressive start, winning the opening set 25–17 to take a 2–0 lead in set points. Mengkan responded by edging the second set 22–21, bringing the contest level at 2–2.
The Indian regained the advantage with a narrow 22–21 win in the third set, moving ahead 4–2. However, Mengkan turned the contest around in the fourth set, shooting a perfect 30 to win 30–20 and level the match at 4–4.
In the deciding set, the Chinese archer scored 28 against Chaudhary’s 21 to complete a 6–4 victory and secure gold.
Swati Chaudhary’s Road to a Historic Medal
The silver medal adds to Chaudhary’s growing record in international para archery. She won bronze at the World Archery Para Series in Ahmedabad in September 2026 and has also secured medals at international competitions in Bangkok this year.
The W1 category is designed for athletes with significant impairments affecting both their upper and lower limbs. Chaudhary’s performance in Nagoya marks a major milestone for India in this demanding classification.
India Celebrates a New Milestone in Para Archery
Although Chaudhary narrowly missed out on gold, her silver medal represents a historic breakthrough for Indian archery at the Asian Para Games. Her performance also highlights India’s growing presence in para archery, with athletes continuing to make their mark across different classifications.
Chaudhary’s achievement in Nagoya will be remembered as an important step forward for Indian W1 archery, while Mengkan’s comeback secured China the women’s individual title.
