22 October 2026 (Navroze Bureau) Indian para-archer Swati Chaudhary created history at the Asian Para Games 2026 by winning the silver medal in the women’s W1 individual archery event on Thursday. Her achievement marked India’s first medal in the women’s W1 archery category at the Asian Para Games.
Swati put up a strong performance in the gold-medal match against China’s Cen Mengkan but narrowly lost 4-6 after initially taking the lead. Despite missing out on gold, the Indian archer secured a historic silver medal and added another achievement to India’s growing campaign at the continental multi-sport event.
Swati Starts Strong in the Gold Medal Match
Swati entered the final after an impressive run in the competition. She had defeated South Korea’s Lee Eunhee 6-2 in the semifinal to secure her place in the gold-medal contest.
In the final against Cen Mengkan, the Indian archer started confidently and won the opening set 25-17, taking a 2-0 lead. The Chinese archer responded in the second set, scoring 22 points against Swati’s 21 to level the match at 2-2.
Swati regained the advantage in the third set, winning it 22-21 to move ahead 4-2. At that stage, she was just one set away from claiming the gold medal.
However, Cen produced a remarkable response in the fourth set, scoring a perfect 30 points with three arrows. Swati managed 20 points, allowing the Chinese competitor to level the match at 4-4.
In the decisive fifth set, Cen maintained her momentum and scored 28 points, while Swati finished with 21. The Chinese archer won the final 6-4 to secure gold, leaving Swati with the silver medal.
A Historic Achievement for Indian Para Archery
Swati’s silver medal represents a significant milestone for Indian para archery. By reaching the final and securing the podium finish, she became the first Indian woman W1 archer to win a medal in the event at the Asian Para Games.
Her achievement highlights the progress of India’s para-archery programme and the growing presence of Indian athletes in international competitions.
The W1 classification is designed for archers with significant physical impairments affecting their arms and legs. Competitors in this category generally shoot from wheelchairs under the sport’s classification and competition rules.
Swati’s performance also demonstrated her ability to compete against leading archers from across Asia, particularly after holding a two-point lead in the final.
India’s Medal Campaign Gains Momentum
Swati’s silver medal added to India’s growing medal tally at the Asian Para Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Indian athletes have been competing across athletics, badminton, archery, swimming, shooting and several other disciplines.
India’s para-athletes have delivered a series of notable performances, including medal-winning displays in track and field events and strong results in para archery.
Swati’s achievement is particularly important because it represents a breakthrough in a specific archery classification in which India had not previously won an Asian Para Games medal.
Her result also follows a promising performance at the World Archery Para Series in Ahmedabad, where she won bronze last month.
A Strong Performance Despite Missing Gold
Although Swati could not convert her early advantage into a gold medal, reaching the final and winning silver marked an important achievement in her Asian Para Games debut.
The final showed how quickly the momentum can change in archery, where every arrow can influence the outcome. After Swati moved ahead 4-2, Cen’s perfect-scoring fourth set shifted the contest and put the match back on equal terms.
The Chinese archer then maintained her accuracy in the final set to complete the comeback.
For Swati, the silver medal provides valuable international experience and establishes her as an athlete to watch in future para-archery competitions.
What Swati’s Achievement Means for India
India’s first W1 women’s archery medal at the Asian Para Games is an important addition to the country’s para-sports record. It reflects the determination of athletes competing at the highest level despite significant physical challenges.
The achievement may also encourage greater attention towards para archery, athlete development and opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in competitive sports.
Swati’s performance in Japan has given Indian supporters another reason to celebrate the country’s growing achievements in para sports.