India’s Deaflympians clinch record 20 medals in Tokyo

India wrapped up the Deaflympics, a global multi-sport event for athletes with hearing impairment, in Tokyo with its best ever performance, as a 73-member contingent brought home 20 medals between November 15 and 26. The tally included nine golds, seven silvers, and four bronzes across 11 sports, placing India sixth overall.

Shooting dominated the campaign with 16 medals, led by standout performers Mahit Sandhu with four, Pranjali Dhumal with three, and Abhinav Deshwal with three. Beyond the range, India celebrated gold from golfer Diksha Dagar, a strong wrestling finish from Sumit Dahiya, and a historic karate bronze by Loma Swain.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the athletes’ grit and achievement, noting that this performance has surpassed India’s previous best tally of 16 medals and set a new benchmark in Deaflympic sport.