October 20 Live: Deepthi wins gold, Sheetal Devi sets another world record
On October 20, 2026, India achieved multiple successes at the Asian Para Games 2026 in Nagoya. Deepthi Jeevanji secured India's first gold medal of the day by winning the women's 400m T20 event with a time of 56.36 seconds. Sheetal Devi set another world record in archery and advanced to the women's compound quarter-finals. In addition, Pradeep Kumar and Ayush Verma earned silver and bronze respectively in the men's javelin F53/F54 final, while Bhavina Patel claimed a bronze medal in para table tennis. The day's schedule included several other medal events across various sports such as para table tennis, para swimming, para athletics, para badminton, para boccia, para powerlifting, para cycling, and para shooting.
Nishad Kumar, a two-time Paralympic silver medallist, secured two gold medals at the Asian Para Games 2026, becoming only the third Indian to achieve this feat in a single edition of the event. Kumar won the men’s T47 high jump title at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletics stadium and added a long jump gold from earlier in the week. This accomplishment follows in the footsteps of athlete Ankur Dhama and archer Sheetal Devi, who previously held the record for dual golds in a single Asian Para Games. After securing his high jump victory, Kumar contacted his parents, Rashpal Singh and Pushpa Devi, a former volleyball player based in Himachal Pradesh’s Badaun. He had promised them he would return with two gold medals, fulfilling his commitment with an emotional conversation following his success. Kumar lost his lower right arm at age eight due to an accident involving a fodder-cutting machine while assisting his mother on the family farm. Despite this challenge, he pursued athletics and achieved notable success, including winning the men’s T47 high jump title at last year’s World Para Athletics Championships in Delhi with a jump of 2.14 meters. Kumar’s journey to dual golds involved strategic adjustments under the guidance of his long-time coach, Jeremy Fischer, who trains athletes such as multiple Olympic medallist Will Clay. With recurring knee pain, Kumar shifted his training focus, allocating 70% to high jump and 30% to long jump this year. Under Fischer’s mentorship in California, Kumar worked on refining both his mental approach and physical conditioning. He focused on developing the necessary speed for long jump while adapting the controlled curve run technique used in high jump. This included specialized drills and strength training to enhance ground reaction forces and reshape muscle memory. Fischer emphasized the importance of finding rhythm in long jump, noting that Kumar had already demonstrated potential for jumps around 7.60 meters. Although Kumar occasionally faced fouls, Fischer believes that with more practice, Kumar could minimize errors on the take-off board. During his training in the United States, Kumar participated in long jump competitions and set a personal best of 7.22 meters at the Oman Athletics Grand Prix in Muscat. Kumar received carbon fiber prosthetics valued at Rs four lakh in 2023, which he began using regularly this year. However, he removes the prosthetic for high jump, adjusting his mindset to account for the absence of the device during competition. During his training in the U.S., Kumar focused on strengthening his right arm and visualizing it as a power source. His run-up became broader, and his take-off more vertical, influenced by studying the techniques of high jump champions such as Gianmarco Tamberi and Miltiadis Tentoglou. India’s overall medal tally increased significantly on the second day of the Asian Para Games 2026, with the nation securing 24 medals, including five golds. Despite this achievement, India fell from fourth to sixth in the medal standings due to the higher number of gold medals won by other countries. China maintained its dominance with 70 gold medals, while Uzbekistan and Japan followed closely behind. India’s five gold medals were led by Kumar and Deepthi Jeevanji, who won the women’s 400m T20 event in a Games-record time of 56.36 seconds. Other notable performances included Simran’s victory in the women’s 200m T12 event and Pranav Soorma’s achievement in the men’s discus throw combined F51/52/53 event. The Asian Para Games 2026 medal tally after Day 2 showed China leading with 70 gold medals, followed by Uzbekistan with 17, Japan with 16, South Korea with 12, and Iran with 10. India stood at sixth with nine gold medals, highlighting the competitive nature of the tournament. The focus for India moving forward will be on securing additional gold medals to improve its standing in the rankings.
Nishad Kumar, a Paralympic athlete from India who lost his lower right arm in childhood, has become only the third Indian to win two gold medals in a single edition of the Asian Para Games. After winning the high jump T47 event, Kumar also secured victory in the long jump category. He credits his coach Jeremy Fischer for helping him adapt his training regimen to balance high jump and long jump, focusing on improving speed and technique. Kumar shared his achievements with his family and expressed gratitude for their support throughout his journey.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses solely on the athletic achievements of Nishad Kumar and does not engage with any politically charged topics such as government policies, elections, or social issues. There is no framing that suggests a particular ideological stance or bias.
India secured 24 medals, including five golds, during the Asian Para Games 2026, but this did not improve its ranking due to the medal table being determined primarily by gold medals. Despite earning more total medals than South Korea, India fell from fourth to sixth place as South Korea and Iran gained more golds. China maintained its dominance with 70 gold medals, while Uzbekistan overtook Japan in second place due to a higher gold count. India's athletes, such as Nishad Kumar and Deepthi Jeevanji, achieved notable records, but the team needs to focus on securing more golds to improve its standing.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses solely on sports results and does not involve any political issues, figures, or policies. It provides a balanced account of the competition outcomes without showing bias toward any nation or individual.
On the second day of the Asian Para Games 2026, India secured five gold medals, including a record-breaking performance by Deepthi Jeevanji in the women's 400m T20 event. This brought India's total medal count to 20, placing them sixth overall in the competition. Other notable achievements included Sheetal Devi setting a new world record in para archery. The article provides a detailed breakdown of India's medal tally and lists all the athletes who have won medals so far.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses solely on sports achievements at the Asian Para Games, providing factual updates on medal counts and athlete performances without any political commentary or bias.
India's Deepthi Jeevanji won the gold medal in the women's 400m T20 event at the Asian Para Games 2026, setting a new Games record with a time of 56.36 seconds. She outperformed Japanese competitors Niina Kanno, who took silver, and Akane Kato, who secured bronze. This victory adds to Deepthi's existing accolades, including a gold medal at the 2024 Para World Championships and a bronze at the Paralympics in the same event. The T20 category is designed for athletes with intellectual impairments, who may experience difficulties with information processing, concentration, and executing race strategies.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses solely on a sports achievement and provides factual information about the competition, the athlete's performance, and the classification system. There is no political framing, bias, or commentary that suggests a particular ideological leaning.
On October 20, 2026, India achieved multiple successes at the Asian Para Games 2026 in Nagoya. Deepthi Jeevanji secured India's first gold medal of the day by winning the women's 400m T20 event with a time of 56.36 seconds. Sheetal Devi set another world record in archery and advanced to the women's compound quarter-finals. In addition, Pradeep Kumar and Ayush Verma earned silver and bronze respectively in the men's javelin F53/F54 final, while Bhavina Patel claimed a bronze medal in para table tennis. The day's schedule included several other medal events across various sports such as para table tennis, para swimming, para athletics, para badminton, para boccia, para powerlifting, para cycling, and para shooting.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses solely on athletic achievements and competition results at the Asian Para Games, which is a sporting event. There is no mention of political figures, policies, or contentious issues. The content is purely informational and does not exhibit any ideological slant.
How each side covered it
The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.
progressive
center
conservative
★
How each side covered it
Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.
India
