Asian Para Games 2026: Who Is Himanshu Nandal? Indian Para Swimmer Wins Third Bronze Medal

India's Himanshu Nandal continued his impressive run at the Asian Para Games, completing a hat-trick of bronze medals with another podium finish in the men's 100m freestyle S11 event in Nagoya on Friday. The visually impaired swimmer clocked 1 minute 5.90 seconds to secure third place in the competition.

Himanshu Nandal Finishes Third in 100m Freestyle

Nandal finished behind Japan's Uchu Tomita, who clinched gold in a Games-record time of 58.22 seconds, and China's Chuanzhen Sun, who secured silver in 58.70 seconds.

The bronze medal marked Nandal's third podium finish at the ongoing competition. He had earlier won bronze in the men's 400m freestyle S11 and 100m breaststroke S11 events, establishing himself among India's notable performers in para swimming at the Games.

His three-medal tally also matched that of compatriot Ravi Budigina, who secured two silver medals and a bronze at the competition.

Nandal began his campaign on Tuesday with a third-place finish in the men's 400m freestyle S11, clocking 5 minutes 10.91 seconds in a four-swimmer field. He subsequently earned another bronze in the 100m breaststroke before completing his hat-trick in the 100m freestyle.

Understanding the S11 Classification

The S11 category is designated for swimmers with severe visual impairments, including athletes with very low visual acuity or no light perception. Nandal, who was born blind due to optic nerve failure, has steadily built his career in competitive sport despite his visual impairment.

Raised in a sports-oriented family in Rohtak, Haryana, Nandal was introduced to sporting activities at an early age. His father played hockey at the national level. At four, Nandal moved to Delhi and joined the National Association for the Blind, where he learned Braille.

From Judo to International Swimming

Nandal initially pursued judo and won medals at the national level before switching to swimming in 2021. The transition opened up new opportunities, allowing him to establish himself in para swimming.

In 2024, he became the first Indian blind swimmer to achieve the Minimum Qualification Standard for the Paris Paralympics, marking a significant milestone in his sporting career.

A political science graduate of Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, University of Delhi, Nandal continued to make progress on the international stage. In 2025, he reached two finals at the World Para Swimming Championships in Singapore, further strengthening his credentials as a competitive para swimmer.

Conclusion

Nandal's three bronze medals at the Asian Para Games underline his progress in international para swimming. From his early days in judo to competing against leading swimmers from across Asia, the 22-year-old has continued to make strides in the sport, adding another significant achievement to his career.

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