14 Para Athletics medallists from Aichi-Nagoya trained at the SAI JLN Stadium in New Delhi
New Delhi : Navdeep Singh, an Indian para-athlete, has said that training at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (JLN) main track alongside fellow competitors significantly enhanced his preparation for the Asian Para Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya.
The event marked India’s best performance in the history of the Asian Para Games, with the country securing a total of 114 medals, including 30 golds, 35 silvers, and 49 bronzes, and para-athletics alone contributing 65 medals. Navdeep achieved a bronze medal in the men’s javelin throw F40/F41 category, improving upon his fourth-place finish from the previous edition in 2022. He noted that the training environment at JLN Stadium was conducive for athletes, allowing them to acclimatize effectively. Despite the concurrent Indian Super League football matches, the focus on the Asian Games was commendable, facilitating uninterrupted training for athletes. Navdeep emphasized the importance of having dedicated access to the main track, which allowed sprinters and throwers to train without delays, thereby enhancing their focus and performance. The para-athletes training at JLN Stadium delivered impressive results at the Asian Para Games, with notable gold medalists including Praveen Kumar in men’s high jump T64, Sandeep Kumar in men’s 400m T64, who set a world record, and Simran Sharma, who excelled in both the women’s 100m and 200m T12 events. Silver and bronze medals were also won by various athletes across multiple disciplines, showcasing the depth of talent among the more than 50 para-athletes training at the facility. Navdeep expressed hope to return to JLN Stadium for future training seasons, highlighting its pivotal role in their success.
