Who is Himanshu Nandal? The swimmer who won three bronze medals at Asian Para Games
Indian para-swimmer Himanshu Nandal secured three bronze medals at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya. The 22-year-old athlete, who is blind, has transitioned from judo to swimming and is the first Indian blind swimmer to qualify for the Paralympics.
Why it matters
Nandal's success highlights the growing prominence of Indian para-athletes on the international stage and serves as an inspiration for inclusive sports.
NEW DELHI: Indian para-swimmer Himanshu Nandal made his mark at the Asian Para Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, completing a hat-trick of bronze medals with another podium finish in the men's 100m freestyle S11 event on Friday.The 22-year-old clocked 1 minute 5.90 seconds to finish third, behind Japan's Uchu Tomita, who won gold in a Games-record time of 58.22 seconds, and China's Chuanzhen Sun, who took silver in 58.70 seconds.Nandal's latest medal added to his earlier bronze finishes in the men's 400m freestyle and 100m breaststroke S11 events. He became one of India's standout performers in para swimming, matching compatriot Ravi Budigina's three-medal haul at the Games, which comprised two silver medals and a bronze.Who is Himanshu Nandal?Born blind due to optic nerve failure, Nandal grew up in a sports-oriented family in Rohtak, Haryana.
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