Indian athletes to win multiple gold medals at Asian Para Games 2023 

Four Indian athletes won multiple gold medals in the competition.

India's largest-ever contingent which comprised of 303 athletes including 191 men and 112 women participated in the recently concluded Asian Para Games 2023 held in Hangzhou, China from October 22 to 28. India showcased an exceptional performance and secured a historic medal tally of 111 medals - 29 gold, 31 silver and 51 bronze.

This achievement marked India's best-ever performance at the continental event and surpasses the previous record of 72 medals from the 2018 Asian Para Games. India went on to achieve a fifth-place finish which highlighted the country's rising stature in the Asian Para Games arena by trailing behind powerhouse nations like China, Iran, Japan and the Republic of Korea.

Among the remarkable achievements, four Indian athletes stood out by clinching multiple gold medals which has undoubtedly made the nation immensely proud.

Ankur Dhama

Despite facing visual challenges, 29-year-old Ankur Dhama, from Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat district has defied all odds to achieve success in the world of para athletics. His inspiring journey took a turn during the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games when an injury threatened to shatter his dreams of being a sportsperson.

However, eight years later, Dhama not only overcame his setback but also emerged triumphant in the fourth edition of the Asian Para Games 2023 in Hangzhou, as he clinched two gold medals in the Men’s 1500m T-11 and the Men’s 5000m T-11 events.

Guiding him through these victories was his dedicated partner, Dharmender Gurjar, a 20-year-old from Rajasthan’s Karoli district who has been by Dhama's side for more than a year.

Neeraj Yadav

Neeraj Yadav was diagnosed with neuro damage at a very young age and primarily competes in the discus and javelin events. The 39-year-old is a paragon of strength who claimed a double gold medal in the event. With an astounding throw measuring 33.69m, he not only secured the top position but also set a new Para Games Record in the Men’s javelin throw event.

This victory followed his earlier triumph in the men’s discus throw F-54/55/56 category, where he clinched gold with a remarkable Personal Best throw of 38.56m.

Sheetal Devi

Hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, the 16-year-old archer, has defied all odds by holding her bow with her foot and as an armless archer. Sheetal Devi reached new heights as she became the first Indian woman to secure two gold medals in a single edition of the Asian Para Games. This historic feat unfolded in the women's individual compound event. This victory marked a hat-trick of medals for Sheetal, who had previously clinched a gold medal in the compound mixed team event and a silver in the women's doubles earlier.

Darpan Inani

Darpan Inani stands as a prolific blind Indian chess player hailing from Vadodara. He currently holds the title of the highest-rated visually impaired chess player in India.

In the fiercely competitive men's individual rapid VI-B1 category, Darpan Satish secured the coveted gold medal and continued his stellar performance as Darpan, Ashwinbhai Makwana, and Soundarya Kumar Pradhan joined forces to win the gold in the men's team rapid VI-B1 event.