Asian Para Games 2023: India’s medal tally after Day 1, 23rd October

The Indian contingent claimed 17 medals in the opening day of the competition.

India showcased its sporting prowess on the opening day of the 4th Asian Para Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China, securing a string of remarkable victories across various disciplines. A total of 17 medals including (gold - 6, silver - 6 and bronze - 5) were won today.

Among the sporting events held today, majority of the medals came from athletics. Shailesh and Thangavelu Mariappan started the proceedings with respect to athletics contingent. However, it was Prachi Yadav who won India's first medal at the ongoing edition of Asian Para Games 2023.

Number of medals presented to Indian athletes on 23rd October

In the men's club throw F51 event, Indian athletes made a clean sweep, with Pranav Soorma clinching the gold medal. The 29-year-old Soorma put on a remarkable performance, breaking the Asian Para Games record with a throw of 30.01m. His compatriots Dharambir (28.76m) and Amit Kumar (26.93m) claimed silver and bronze, respectively. Saudi Arabia's Radhi Ali Alharthi, who managed a throw of 23.77m, secured the fourth position.

Pranav Soorma's journey to success is particularly inspiring. Despite suffering a spinal cord injury at the age of 16, he defied the odds and emerged as a champion in para-sports, earning a silver medal at the 2019 Beijing World Para Athletics Grand Prix event.

The F51 club throw event is a test of athleticism for those with severe mobility limitations in the trunk, legs, and hands. Competing while seated, athletes rely on the strength of their shoulders and arms to generate power.

In the men's high jump T63 category, India continued its winning streak, with a podium sweep. Shailesh Kumar secured the gold with a jump of 1.82m, setting an Asian Para Games record. Mariyappan Thangavelu claimed the silver with a jump of 1.80m. Unfortunately, the 'minus one rule' enforced by the Asian Paralympic Committee allowed for gold and silver medals only since there were only three competitors in the event.

Nishad Kumar added another gold to India's medal tally in the men's high jump T47 category, clearing a height of 2.02m. His compatriot, Ram Pal, secured the bronze with a jump of 1.94m. The T47 classification is intended for athletes with below-elbow or wrist amputation or impairment.

Avani Lekhara delivered a stellar performance in the Women's 10m Air Rifle Stand SH1 Final, breaking the Games record with a score of 249.6 points, securing India's fourth gold of the day. Later in the day, the Judo contingent added two medals to the tally followed by one more medal in taekwondo.

Para Asian Games 2023: Updated Indian medal tally 23rd October

As of now, India stands fourth place on the medal tally, with a total of 17 medals, including four gold, five silver, and two bronze. China leads with 55 medals, including 21 gold, 20 silver, and 14 bronze. Iran is in second place, securing a total of 18 medals, with seven gold, six silver, and five bronze medals. Uzbekistan is currently in fourth place, having claimed a total of 20 medals, consisting of six gold, six silver, and eight bronze medals.

India has made a strong start to the 4th edition of Asian Para Games, and athletes and fans alike are hopeful for a successful competition, aiming to surpass their best performance of 72 medals in the 2018 event in Indonesia. India's contingent, buoyed by their remarkable performance at the recent Asian Games, is eager to set new records and make history in the world of Para Games.

What to expect from the Indian contingent on 24th October?

As the 24th of October approaches the Hangzhou Asian Para Games 2023, the Indian contingent is gearing up for another day of fierce competition and high spirits. With athletes participating in a wide range of events, from lawn bowls to blind football, and a plethora of singles and team matches, India continues its quest for excellence.

Expectations are high as these remarkable athletes aim to shine on the international stage, displaying their skill, determination, and sportsmanship. The hopes of a nation are firmly behind them as they chase victory, set new records, and bring honor to India.