Ayush Verma won a gold medal in the men’s shot put F53 event, making it 10 for India in the 2026 Asian Para Games. He topped the podium with a best throw of 8.16 metres on his fifth attempt.
It was his second medal at the Asian Para Games this edition, having already won bronze in the men’s javelin F53/54 event on Tuesday.
Verma opened with a throw of 7.39 metres, followed by 7.42 metres and 7.50 metres in his next two attempts. He reached 7.92 metres in his fourth attempt and delivered his best throw of 8.16 metres in the fifth. His final attempt measured 7.54 metres, but the fifth throw secured India’s tenth gold medal at the Games.
Alireza Hemami of Iran was second with 8.09m, the closest competitor to Ayush in the shot put. Makhambet Serikkaliyev of Kazakhstan took third with 6.81m.
F53 is for field athletes who have movement affected to a high degree in the trunk and legs and hand grip affected to a low level. They compete in seated positions and generate inertia using their chest, upper-back and shoulders.
Born on 15th July 1991, Verma took up competitive para-athletics in 2020, specialising in shot put (F53 classification) under coach Robin Kumar. The F53 classification is for seated throwing events and requires upper body strength, coordination, and technique. Since starting the sport, he has worked on his skills and technique and is now achieving success internationally.