In a tense final, Pradeep Kumar lifted the silver medal, throwing 27.45 metres in the men’s javelin F54 event at the Asian Para Games 2026.
The throw is a personal best and marks his second consecutive silver at the Games, a testament to his steady improvement. Ayush Verma, competing in the F53 class, secured bronze with 17.88 metres, while Thailand’s Sahar‑dam Yaena finished fourth with 23.31 metres.
Iran’s Erfan Bandori defended his title, smashing the Games record with a 30.24‑metre throw. The Raza points system kept the contest fair, allowing athletes from different disability classifications to vie for the same podium.
Pradeep said after the toss, “I felt strong in the air, and the wind was right. It’s a relief to finish on the podium again.” Coach Meena Singh praised his technique, noting the consistency in his release and the mental edge he brought to the competition.
With the Asian Games 2026 still months away, Pradeep and his team are already mapping their training for a gold‑hunt. The next challenge looms: the 2028 Paralympic Games in Paris.