World Record Golds by Sandeep, Haney Take India Past 100 Medals at Asian Para Games

Sandeep Singh Maan, Haney Set World Records as India Crosses 100-Medal Mark at Asian Para Games

India crossed the 100-medal milestone at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Nagoya on Friday, October 23, after para-athletes Sandeep Singh Maan and Haney delivered record-breaking performances to secure gold medals in athletics.

Sandeep claimed gold in the men’s 400m event with a world-record performance, while Haney followed it up with a sensational throw of 60.49 metres to win the men’s F37/38 javelin competition. Their achievements marked a significant moment in India’s campaign at the continental para-sports event.

Competing at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, Sandeep dominated the combined 400m race featuring athletes from the T44, T42 and T64 classifications. Despite a late challenge from Saudi Arabia’s Alsana Noor, the Indian maintained his lead to finish in 52.28 seconds, improving his personal best by more than a second.

The victory also took India’s gold-medal tally to 25, bringing the country within two golds of its best-ever performance of 27 gold medals at the previous edition in Hangzhou.

India added another podium finish in the same race, with Ajay Kumar securing bronze after clocking 53.61 seconds.

HANEY SHATTERS A 17-YEAR-OLD WORLD RECORD
Haney produced another memorable moment for India in the men’s javelin F37/38 event, delivering a world-record performance to claim the gold medal.

The Indian athlete saved his strongest efforts for the final stages of the competition, recording throws of 59.72m and 60.49m in his last two attempts. His best throw comfortably surpassed the previous world record of 57.81m, set by China’s Xia Dong in 2008.

The achievement ended the long-standing record’s 17-year reign and gave India its second world-record gold in quick succession. Haney’s performance also underlined his position among the leading athletes in his classification.

WHO IS SANDEEP SINGH MAAN?
Born on July 16, 1993, in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan, Sandeep Singh Maan is an experienced Indian para-athlete who competes in sprint events, including the 100m, 200m and 400m, as well as the long jump.

Sandeep was born with a structural impairment in his left hand that restricts its range of motion. Despite this challenge, he pursued athletics and developed his skills under national coach Satyapal Singh at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.

Over the years, Sandeep has established himself as a prominent name in Indian para-athletics, earning recognition through national and international competitions.

His continental record includes silver medals at the Asian Para Games in Guangzhou in 2010 and Incheon in 2014, followed by a bronze medal at the 2018 edition in Jakarta.

He also won gold medals at the IWAS World Games in 2009 and 2011. In recognition of his contributions to Indian sport, Sandeep has received the Arjuna Award, along with the Maharana Pratap Award and the Aravali Award.

His latest gold medal and record-breaking run in Nagoya add another significant chapter to his sporting career.

HANEY ADDS ANOTHER GOLD TO HIS ASIAN PARA GAMES SUCCESS
Haney, a para-athlete from Haryana, specialises in throwing disciplines, particularly the javelin and discus. He competes in the F37 classification, which includes athletes with coordination and movement impairments.

He trains under coach Sunil Phogat at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Rohtak. After making his mark in domestic competitions, Haney progressed to the senior national team and emerged as one of India’s notable performers in para-athletics.

The Indian thrower had already tasted success at the Asian Para Games, winning gold in the men’s javelin F37/38 event at the Hangzhou edition. He has also competed in the discus, finishing fourth at the World Para Athletics Championships.

His latest performance in Nagoya represents a major career milestone. With a throw of 60.49m, Haney surpassed the previous world record and successfully defended his Asian Para Games title.

INDIA CLOSES IN ON ITS BEST-EVER GOLD MEDAL HAUL
The record-breaking performances by Sandeep and Haney have strengthened India’s medal campaign at the Asian Para Games 2026. Crossing the 100-medal mark highlights the country’s continued progress in para-sports and the growing achievements of its athletes on the international stage.

With 25 gold medals following the two athletics victories, India is now just two golds short of its previous best tally of 27, achieved in Hangzhou.

The latest successes in Nagoya have provided fresh momentum to the Indian contingent as it continues its pursuit of a historic performance at the Games.