Sumit Antil, Praveen Kumar and Pongsakorn Paeyo headline a formidable line-up of Paralympic champions heading to the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya. With world records, Paralympic gold medals and fiercely contested rivalries behind them, the men’s athletics competition promises another absorbing chapter in Asian Para sport.
From the throwing circle to the sprint track, the spotlight will fall on athletes who have already conquered the Paralympic stage but remain hungry for further success.
Sumit And Praveen Carry India’s Challenge
India’s Sumit Antil arrives with a reputation few can match. The javelin thrower successfully defended his F64 Paralympic title in Paris with a record-breaking 70.59m effort, further establishing himself among the world’s leading Para athletes.
For Sumit, Nagoya presents another opportunity to extend his dominance following his success at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games, where he broke the world record with a throw of 73.29m.
Joining him is Praveen Kumar, whose 2.08m clearance earned him the men’s high jump T64 gold medal and an Asian record in Paris. Having progressed from Paralympic silver in Tokyo to gold in Paris, Praveen will be looking to continue his remarkable rise.
Pongsakorn And Chaiwat Bring Thai Firepower
Thailand’s Pongsakorn Paeyo brings formidable credentials to the wheelchair racing events. The T53 star, who captured two gold medals at Hangzhou, reinforced his reputation by winning the 400m and 800m titles at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi.
His compatriot Chaiwat Rattana is another major contender. The T34 racer won the 100m and 400m titles in New Delhi, demonstrating his ability to deliver across sprint distances.
Together, the pair will spearhead Thailand’s challenge in events where the country has established an impressive international record.
Di And Norbekov Target Further Success
China’s Di Dongdong will be another major attraction. The visually impaired long jumper claimed Paralympic gold in Paris with an Asian-record leap of 6.85m, adding another milestone to his international career.
Uzbekistan’s Khusniddin Norbekov brings experience and a remarkable record of success in the throwing events. Having won discus gold at Rio 2016, he added shot put F35 gold medals in Tokyo and Paris, successfully defending his title in the French capital with a Paralympic-record 16.82m throw. With established champions spread across the track and field programme, Nagoya will offer another measure of Asia’s strength as the countdown continues towards the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics.
