Nagoya: Qatar's delegation competing at the fifth Asian Para Games, Aichi–Nagoya 2026, claimed three medals on Tuesday, with swimmer Shamil Shahov and wheelchair racer Ali Arshid delivering a strong start for Team Qatar at the Games, which are being held in Japan from October 18 to 24, bringing together athletes from 45 countries competing across 18 sports.

Qatar's three medals came through Shahov, who secured silver in the men's 100m breaststroke and bronze in the men's 400m freestyle, while Arshid added a second silver medal in the men's 100m wheelchair race. Their achievements demonstrated Team Qatar's ability to compete at the highest level and reach the podium at the continental event.

Team Qatar is represented at this year's Games by a delegation of 12 male and female athletes competing in three sports: swimming, athletics and goalball. The delegation is aiming to build on its early success and add further medals to Qatar's tally in the coming days, reflecting ongoing efforts to develop Para sports in Qatar and strengthen the country's competitiveness at major continental championships.

Team Qatar swimmer Shamil Shahov secured the silver medal in the men's 100m breaststroke SB12 event after finishing second in 1:13.17, behind Japan's Genki Saito, who claimed gold in 1:12.74. Iran's Abadi Karimi Jahan took bronze with a time of 1:13.47.

Shahov had earlier opened Qatar's medal account at the Games by winning bronze in the men's 400m freestyle S13 event, finishing third in 4:33.09.

Uzbekistan's Dmitry Khorlin claimed gold in the 400m freestyle with a time of 4:21.32, while his compatriot Egor Bolotov secured silver in 4:21.94.

With two medals to his name, Shahov delivered an impressive performance in the swimming competitions, earning Team Qatar its first medals of the Games and strengthening the country's presence on the continental stage.

Team Qatar's Ali Arshid claimed the silver medal in the men's 100m wheelchair T34 event, finishing second in 14.95 seconds.
 

Thailand's Chaiwat Rattana won gold in 14.84 seconds, setting a new Games record, while the UAE's Mohammed Othman secured bronze in 15.13 seconds.

The race also featured Team Qatar's Mohammed Al Kubaisi, who finished seventh with a time of 16.80 seconds.

Arshid's achievement brought Qatar's medal tally to three, comprising two silver medals and one bronze, as Team Qatar continued to deliver positive results in the opening stages of its participation.

On this occasion, HE Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Saoud  Al Thani, President of the Qatar Paralympic Committee, dedicated the achievements of Qatar's athletes at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan, to HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, and HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, in recognition of their continued support for Qatari sport and their commitment to Para sports.

Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Saoud  Al Thani held a telephone conversation with Dr. Hassan Al Ansari, Head of the Qatari delegation participating in the Asian Para Games in Nagoya, during which he expressed his pride in the results and praised the efforts of the athletes, coaches and administrative staff who contributed to these achievements.

He emphasised that the results reflect the progress of Para sports in Qatar, made possible by the support of the country's wise leadership, and provide further motivation to continue working towards greater success at upcoming international competitions.

He also commended the role of Dr. Hassan Al Ansari, the delegation members and the coaching staff, highlighting the importance of teamwork, determination and perseverance in securing podium finishes.

Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Saoud  Al Thani stressed that Qatar's athletes had demonstrated their ability to compete on the international stage. He reaffirmed the Qatar Paralympic Committee's commitment to providing continued support and care for its athletes, helping them raise Qatar's flag high at continental and international championships.