Nishad Kumar and Mona Agarwal will represent India as flag bearers at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya on Saturday. This recognition comes after both athletes delivered outstanding performances during the event, each securing two gold medals. Nishad Kumar, who has made a name for himself in para-athletics, began his campaign with a gold medal in the men’s long jump T47, achieving a distance of 7.11 metres in his international debut in this discipline.

Following his success in the long jump, Nishad continued to excel by winning another gold in the men’s high jump T47, where he cleared a height of 2.04 metres. This achievement not only earned him a second gold medal but also set a new Games record. With these victories, Nishad became only the third Indian athlete to win two gold medals in a single edition of the Asian Para Games, joining the ranks of para-runner Ankur Dhama and armless archer Sheetal Devi.

For Nishad, who is a two-time Paralympic silver medallist and a world champion, the triumph in long jump was particularly significant. It marked a successful transition into a new event while reaffirming his dominance in his primary discipline. His performances have highlighted his versatility and commitment to excellence in para-athletics.

Highlights of Mona Agarwal’s Performance

Mona Agarwal also made a remarkable impact at the Asian Para Games, particularly in the shooting events. She commenced her medal tally for India by winning gold in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 category. Mona achieved a Games-record score of 250.0 points, narrowly defeating her compatriot Avani Lekhara by a mere 0.4 points. This final was notable for Mona’s impressive comeback, as she climbed from sixth place to secure the title, contributing to a one-two finish for India.

In addition to her initial gold medal, Mona continued her success by clinching gold in the women’s 50m rifle 3 Positions SH1 event on October 23. She set a new world record with a score of 357.5, surpassing the previous record of 356 set by Sweden’s Anna Benson in July 2026. This second gold medal solidified her status as one of India’s leading para-shooters and showcased her exceptional talent and determination.

Mona’s achievements at the Asian Para Games have further established her reputation in the sport, particularly following her bronze medal win at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Her consistent performance and record-breaking scores have made her a prominent figure in Indian para-shooting.

Significance of Their Selection as Flag Bearers

The selection of Nishad Kumar and Mona Agarwal as flag bearers for the closing ceremony is a testament to their remarkable achievements at the Asian Para Games. Both athletes have not only demonstrated outstanding consistency but have also set new records on a prestigious platform. Their performances have brought attention to the capabilities of para-athletes and highlighted India’s growing success in para-sports.

As they lead the Indian contingent at the closing ceremony, Nishad and Mona will embody the spirit of perseverance and excellence that characterises the para-sports community. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes and reflect the hard work and dedication that goes into competing at such a high level.

The closing ceremony on Saturday will celebrate the accomplishments of all athletes who participated in the Games, with Nishad and Mona at the forefront, symbolising India’s commitment to fostering talent in para-sports. Their journey continues to inspire and motivate future generations of athletes in India.

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