Asian Para Games: Sheetal Devi strikes double gold, Shailesh Kumar leads Indian high jump sweep

Archer Sheetal Devi won two gold medals and India swept the podium in the men's T63 high jump as the country's athletes had another productive day at the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Thursday.

Sheetal's double

Sheetal, who shoots with her feet and legs, first teamed up with Toman Kumar to win the compound mixed team final, beating Indonesia's pair 151-148, Outlook India and myKhel reported. The Indian duo had earlier set a world record of 1,402 points in qualification, according to Outlook India.

She then retained her women's compound individual title, edging Singapore's Nur Syahidah Alim 142-139 in a tight final that was level after ten arrows, Outlook India reported.

Clean sweep in the high jump

In athletics, Shailesh Kumar won the men's high jump T63 with a leap of 1.89 metres, a new Games record, according to myKhel and the Sunday Guardian. Varun Bhati took silver with 1.84 m, a season's best, and Rahul claimed bronze with a personal best of 1.81 m, giving India all three medals.

There was more success on the track and in the field. Suvarna Raj won the women's discus F54 with a throw of 15.66 m, while Anjanaben Bumbadiya took the women's 400m T47 gold and Dilip Gavit won the men's 400m T47 for his second title of the Games, according to The Bridge and Outlook India. Outlook India also reported that Solairaj Dharmaraj defended his long jump title.

Medal tally

India crossed 80 medals overall during the day, according to myKhel, and Outlook India reported that the contingent finished Thursday fifth in the standings with 88 medals, including 21 golds. The Games conclude on 24 October.

Why it matters

India's para athletes have become one of the country's most consistent sources of international medals. Strong showings in Japan, particularly from established stars like Sheetal and a deepening pool in athletics, build momentum ahead of the next Paralympic cycle and encourage greater investment in para sport at home.