Athletics

Simran Sharma Sprints to Gold with Games Record at Asian Para Games

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 20, 2026, 18:14 IST

Simran Sharma secured a maiden gold medal in the women's 200m T12 event at the Asian Para Games, setting a new Games record, while debutant Tejalben Damor claimed bronze for India in Nagoya.

Simran Sharma Sprints to Gold with Games Record at Asian Para Games

Indian sprinter Simran Sharma delivered a commanding performance at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya on Tuesday, clinching the gold medal in the women's 200m T12 event. The 26-year-old athlete set a new Games record with a time of 24.80 seconds, comfortably finishing ahead of Iran's Hajar Safarzadeh, who secured silver with a time of 25.02 seconds.

The podium was further bolstered by the success of debutant Tejalben Damor, who claimed the bronze medal in 25.23 seconds. The T12 classification, which features athletes with moderate visual impairment, saw a strong display from the Indian contingent as they navigated the competition successfully.

Overcoming Challenges on the Track

For Simran, the victory marks a significant milestone in her career, adding to the bronze medal she secured at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. The sprinter, who is currently competing alongside her new guide, Shivam, following the doping-related ban of her previous guide, Umar Saifi, admitted that the path to gold was not without its hurdles. She noted that her physical recovery between the heat and the final had been difficult, leaving her feeling tight and fatigued.

Beyond the physical demands, Simran highlighted the logistical challenges of the tournament, specifically regarding nutrition. As a vegetarian, she found the local food options limited, relying primarily on dal-chawal. Despite these difficulties, she maintained a resilient outlook, joking that Indian athletes often rely on sheer willpower to overcome such obstacles. Simran, who previously took silver in this event at the 2023 Hangzhou edition of the Games, is now looking ahead to the 100m competition.

A Promising Debut for Damor

Tejalben Damor’s bronze medal performance provided a major boost to her confidence as she prepares for her upcoming events. Reflecting on her journey, the 24-year-old spoke candidly about the financial struggles her family has faced, noting that her determination to succeed is fueled by a desire to overcome those difficult circumstances. With her first medal at the continental showpiece secured, Damor is now shifting her focus to the 400m event, which she identifies as her strongest discipline.