India's rising medal count at the Asian Para Games reflects progress in inclusive sport, yet structural barriers persist for persons with disabilities. Critically examine.

India won a record 114 medals at the Asian Para Games 2026, its best-ever tally [1]. It won only 14 medals at the first edition in 2010 [2]. This shows real progress in inclusive sport. However, the support system behind the medals remains thin.

Progress in inclusive sport

• Steady rise: India's tally grew from 14 medals (2010) to 72 (2018) and then 111 (2022). Its rank rose from 15th to 5th [2]. The 2026 total beat the 2022 record [1].
• Gender equity: Women won 40 of India's 111 medals at Hangzhou, about 36% [2].
• Accessible events: The Khelo India Para Games 2023 provided ramps, accessible toilets and accessible transport [5].
• Legal recognition: The National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 creates a National Paralympic Committee. It also requires athletes and women on executive committees [4]. This builds on the RPwD Act, 2016, which recognises the right to take part in sport.

Structural barriers that persist

• Plateau in quality: The rise from 111 to 114 medals is only three. At Hangzhou, 51 of India's 111 medals were bronze [2]. Medal tables are ranked by gold, not totals.
• Gaps in SAI: About 45% of SAI's sanctioned posts are vacant. Some of its 24 NCOEs are not working or have no working hostel [3]. For para-athletes, a centre without accessible housing is of little use.
• Funding shortfalls: Kit and nutrition allowances have not been revised for years. Money from the NSDF was diverted to other uses. Private bodies receive more CSR money than government sports institutions [3].
• Accessibility built for events: Facilities are often arranged for a single event [5], not for district grounds where talent first develops.
• Governance risk: Government directions and NSB inquiries could break autonomy rules and invite international sanctions. FIFA's 2022 suspension of the AIFF is a warning [4]. A suspension could bar para-athletes from international events.

Way forward

• Fill SAI vacancies within six months, as the Committee recommends, with trained para-sport coaches among the new hires [3].
• Make all NCOEs residential-cum-educational centres, with accessible design built in from the start [3].
• Add para-sport facilities to the proposed state sports index [3].

India's growing medal tally is a real gain for disability inclusion, but it rests on a fragile institutional base. Accessible grassroots facilities, enough coaching staff and an autonomous governance structure can turn records into lasting excellence. This would help India meet the RPwD Act's promise, its UNCRPD commitments and SDG 10 on reduced inequalities.