NEW DELHI: Double gold medallists Mona Agarwal and Nishad Kumar will be India’s flag-bearers at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya on Saturday, following outstanding campaigns in shooting and para-athletics.Both athletes won two gold medals each at the continental event, with Mona producing a record-breaking performance in shooting and Nishad excelling in the high jump and long jump.Their selection as flag-bearers recognises their achievements as India prepare to bring the Games to a close.
Mona’s record-breaking run in shooting
The 38-year-old Mona opened India’s medal account in shooting by winning gold in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event with a Games-record score of 250.0 points. She edged compatriot Avani Lekhara by 0.4 points to secure the title, as India completed a one-two finish.Mona staged an impressive comeback in the final, climbing from sixth place to claim gold, while two-time Paralympic champion Avani settled for silver.The para-shooter continued her remarkable campaign by winning gold in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 event on Friday. She recorded 357.5 points to set a world record, surpassing the previous mark of 356 set by Sweden’s Anna Benson in July 2026.Mona contracted polio at the age of nine, affecting both her lower limbs and leaving her dependent on a wheelchair. Her two gold medals at the Games added another significant milestone to her career.
Nishad’s golden double in athletics
Nishad, 27, also enjoyed a memorable campaign, winning gold in the men’s long jump T47 and high jump T47 events.He opened his account in the long jump with a best effort of 7.11 metres, before adding another gold in the high jump. He cleared 2.04 metres to set a new Games record in the latter event.The double-gold performance placed Nishad among a select group of Indian athletes to win two gold medals in a single edition of the Asian Para Games, joining para-runner Ankur Dhama and armless archer Sheetal Devi.Nishad’s journey to the top has been marked by resilience. His right arm was severed by a grass-cutting machine at his family’s farm in Himachal Pradesh when he was six years old. He went on to establish himself as one of India’s leading para-athletes, particularly in the high jump.With two gold medals apiece, Mona and Nishad will lead India’s contingent at Saturday’s closing ceremony, providing a fitting conclusion to their impressive campaigns in Aichi-Nagoya.
