Patna: Bihar’s para-athletes continued their strong run on the national stage as Shailesh Kumar from Jamui and Himanshu Yadav from Nalanda qualified for the Para Asian Games 2026, scheduled to be held in Japan.
The qualification came after both athletes delivered gold medal-winning performances at the 8th Indian Open Para Athletics International Championship held at Sri Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.
Their achievements have drawn praise from the sports fraternity in Bihar and added to the state’s growing presence in para-sports.
Gold Medal Performances Secure Qualification
Shailesh Kumar secured the gold medal in the High Jump event, impressing selectors and officials with his performance during the championship.
Himanshu Yadav also clinched gold in the Shot Put event, earning qualification for the continental competition.
Officials said the athletes were selected for the Para Asian Games based on their performances at the Bengaluru event, which served as a key qualifying competition.
Both athletes are now expected to represent India at the international tournament in Japan.
Archana Kumari Wins Two Medals
Apart from the two qualifiers, Bihar athlete Archana Kumari from Banka also registered a strong performance during the championship.
She won a silver medal in Shot Put and a bronze medal in Discus Throw, taking Bihar’s overall medal tally at the event to four.
Sports officials said the achievements reflected the growing strength of para-athletics in the state and highlighted the progress being made by athletes from Bihar at national competitions.
Sports Officials Congratulate Athletes
Ravindran Sankaran, Director General of the Bihar State Sports Authority, congratulated the athletes and described the achievement as significant for Bihar’s sports ecosystem.
Dr Shivaji Kumar, President of the Bihar Para Sports Association, also extended his best wishes to the athletes for the upcoming international event.
The performances have generated enthusiasm among athletes and sports supporters across the state, with expectations rising ahead of the Para Asian Games 2026 in Japan.
