New Delhi, Nov 06: General Dhiraj Seth, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), felicitated Indian Army para-athletes who participated in the 5th Asian Para Games, Aichi–Nagoya 2026, during an interaction held in New Delhi on 05 November 2026. Nine Indian Army para-athletes participated in the Games, with six securing medals, including one Gold, two Silver and three Bronze.
The medal winners included Subedar Solairaj D, VSM, who won Gold in Long Jump; Havildar Rakesh, who secured Silver in Discus Throw; and Havildar Kapil Kumar, who won Silver in 400m Freestyle Swimming. Bronze medals were secured by Subedar H Hokato Sema, AVSM, in Shot Put; Subedar Ajay Kumar, in 400m Athletics; and Havildar Pardeep Kumar, in Discus Throw.
The COAS also felicitated Mrs Simran, wife of Naik Gajender, who won two Gold medals in the 100m and 200m events, contributing to India’s overall medal tally.
The achievements of these athletes reflect the Indian Army’s sustained efforts towards rehabilitation and sporting excellence among injured soldiers. The Artificial Limb Centre and Spinal Cord Injury Centre, in coordination with the Army Paralympic Node (APN), provide specialised medical care, prosthetic support, rehabilitation and structured sports training, enabling injured soldiers to compete at national and international levels.
The COAS also acknowledged the contribution of the coaching and support staff, including Subedar Bibin Dev and Subedar Mortaza (Athletics Coaches), Havildar Avinash A (Strength and Conditioning Coach) and Lieutenant Colonel Daljit Singh, Officer-in-Charge, Army Paralympic Node.
The interaction recognised the achievements of the para-athletes and reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment to rehabilitation, inclusive sporting opportunities and continued support for its personnel in pursuing excellence in competitive sports.
