Gurugram: Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has celebrated the achievements of its brand ambassador and world No. 1 para archer Sheetal Devi, who secured two gold medals and one silver medal at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games, setting multiple world records along the way. Athletes supported through the company’s ‘Samarth by Hyundai’ initiative added four medals to India’s tally, highlighting the growing impact of corporate-backed para-sports programmes.
Sheetal Devi, an Arjuna Award recipient and world champion, emerged as one of the standout performers at the continental event. Her three-medal performance further strengthened her standing in international para archery, with Hyundai recognising her achievements as an example of determination and sporting excellence.
The celebrations extended beyond its brand ambassador, as athletes supported by the Hyundai Motor India Foundation through its Samarth Para Sports Programme secured one gold, one silver and two bronze medals across para athletics and para swimming.
Five athletes associated with the initiative qualified for the 2026 Asian Para Games, demonstrating the programme’s role in supporting competitive opportunities for Indian para-athletes.
Haney Breaks World Record With 60.49-Metre Javelin Throw
Among the Samarth-supported athletes, Haney delivered a particularly noteworthy performance, winning gold in the Men’s Javelin F37/38 event with a world record-breaking throw of 60.49 metres.
He also secured a bronze medal in the Men’s F37 Discus Throw, finishing the competition with two medals across different throwing disciplines.
Banti contributed another podium finish, claiming silver in the Men’s High Jump T44/64 category with a personal-best leap of 1.92 metres.
In the swimming events, Tejas Nandakumar earned bronze in the Men’s 100m Backstroke S7, extending the programme’s medal-winning performances beyond athletics.
Together, the results represented four medals for Samarth-supported competitors, adding to Sheetal Devi’s three-medal achievement. For the athletes involved, the performances offered something more substantial than encouraging words: measurable results on an international stage.
Hyundai Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Sports
Commenting on the achievements, Tarun Garg, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, “We are immensely proud of our brand ambassador Sheetal Devi and all the Samarth-supported athletes for their outstanding performances at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games. Their achievements reflect the extraordinary power of determination, courage and perseverance. At Hyundai, we believe that true progress goes beyond mobility, it is about creating opportunities, challenging barriers and building a more inclusive society. Through ‘Samarth by Hyundai’, we remain committed to supporting para-athletes and helping create an environment where talent and ambition can thrive.”
The company’s recognition of these performances forms part of its broader efforts to promote accessibility and participation among persons with disabilities.
Through ‘Samarth by Hyundai’, the Hyundai Motor India Foundation supports para-athletes and seeks to create opportunities for individuals to develop their sporting abilities and compete at higher levels.
The initiative reflects an approach to corporate social responsibility that extends beyond conventional community engagement, placing emphasis on inclusion, athletic development and opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Growing Recognition for India’s Para-Sports Talent
The performances at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games also draw attention to the importance of sustained institutional and financial support for para-sports in India.
While international medals represent the most visible measure of success, consistent access to training, competitive exposure and resources remains essential for athletes seeking to perform at the highest level.
For Hyundai, the results provide an opportunity to highlight its involvement in inclusive sports. For India’s para-sports community, the achievements of Sheetal Devi, Haney, Banti and Tejas Nandakumar reinforce a broader message: sporting potential can flourish when talent is matched with opportunity, and sustained support can make a meaningful difference long before an athlete reaches the podium.
