Asian Para Games: 1-2 for India! Pranav, Ram Ratan clinch discus gold and silver

NEW DELHI: India continued to swell their medal tally at the Asian Para Games 2026 as Pranav Soorma and Ram Ratan Singh secured a memorable one-two finish in the men's discus throw combined F51/52/53 event on Tuesday, with Soorma setting a new Asian record to clinch gold.

The 32-year-old Soorma produced a best throw of 11.66m in his fourth attempt to take the top spot, while compatriot Singh, 31, claimed silver with an effort of 10.35m in his second attempt. Both athletes compete in the F51 classification. The result added another gold and silver to India's growing medal haul at the continental para-sport event in Aichi-Nagoya, with the Indian duo delivering a standout performance in the field.

Soorma adds another gold to his Asian Para Games collection

Soorma continued his impressive run at the Asian Para Games after winning gold in the men's club throw F51 event at the previous edition in China. His record-breaking effort in the discus throw further underlined his credentials as one of India's leading para-athletes.

Singh complemented his compatriot's performance with a silver-winning throw, ensuring India occupied the top two positions in the event. Iran's Alireza Hemami, competing in the F53 classification, finished with the bronze medal after recording a throw of 20.20m in the fourth round.

Raza points system decides final standings

Although Hemami registered a longer distance than both Indian athletes, he finished third because the combined event's standings were determined using the Raza Point System. The system adjusts performances according to athletes' disability classifications, converting results into standardised points to allow fair comparisons between competitors with different levels of impairment. The F51 classification includes athletes with significant limitations in trunk, leg and hand movement, alongside varying restrictions in arm function. Events may combine athletes from different classifications when participation numbers are limited. The F51-F57 categories cover seated throwing events for athletes with various lower-body impairments, limb deficiencies and limitations in muscle power or range of movement.