Swati Chaudhary created history at the Asian Para Games 2026 by winning India’s first-ever medal in the women’s W1 archery category, securing silver after losing to China’s Cen Mengkan in the individual final on Thursday, October 22. The top-seeded Indian archer was beaten 4-6 in a closely contested match in Nagoya after surrendering an early lead.
Mengkan, ranked world No. 23, mounted a strong finish to claim her maiden Asian Para Games gold.
The final saw both archers experience changes in momentum as they competed for the title. Swati initially moved ahead 4-2, putting herself in a position to secure gold. However, Mengkan recovered in the closing stages and won the match 6-4. The Chinese archer’s late improvement proved decisive, denying Swati the gold despite the Indian’s strong start.
Swati’s silver medal nevertheless marked a significant milestone for Indian para archery. Her achievement delivered the country its first medal in the women’s W1 category at the Asian Para Games, establishing a new benchmark for India in the event. The result also added to the Indian contingent’s campaign at the multi-sport competition being held in Japan.
The Indian archer trains under Athens Olympian Satyadev Prasad at Gurukul Archery Academy in Meerut. Prasad has guided her preparation as she competes at the international level. Her position as the top seed going into the final reflected her standing in the competition, although the championship match ultimately went in favour of the Chinese opponent.
Mengkan’s victory came after she overturned Swati’s advantage, demonstrating her ability to respond under pressure in the decisive stages. The result earned the Chinese archer her first gold medal at the Asian Para Games. For Swati, the defeat meant missing out on the top position, but her silver remained a historic result for India in the category.
The women’s individual W1 final concluded with Mengkan taking gold and Swati receiving silver on October 22. Swati’s achievement marked India’s first podium finish in the category at the Asian Para Games, while the close scoreline reflected the competitive nature of the contest. Her performance in Nagoya adds an important milestone to India’s para-archery record at the 2026 Games.