• Ghaziabad para-athlete secures first place in both sprint events at international competition in Japan

• Arjuna Award winner Simran is currently serving as a District Panchayat Raj Officer in Uttar Pradesh

• Panchayati Raj Department announces special arrangements to welcome the champion

Lucknow, October 2026 : Simran, a para-athlete from Ghaziabad and an Arjuna Award recipient, has brought pride to Uttar Pradesh and India by securing first place in the 100-metre and 200-metre races at the fifth Asian Para Games 2026, held in Japan.

Her outstanding performance has been widely celebrated across Uttar Pradesh and the country. Simran currently serves as a District Panchayat Raj Officer (DPRO) in the Uttar Pradesh Panchayati Raj Department, balancing her administrative responsibilities with achievements in international sports.

Congratulating her on the achievement, Director of Panchayati Raj Dhirendra Singh Sachan spoke to Simran over the phone and wished her continued success. He said her exceptional talent, hard work, discipline and determination had brought recognition to the country at the international level.

Sachan added that her success would inspire not only fellow athletes but also young people aspiring to excel in sports and other fields. He said the encouragement provided to young people under the Yogi Adityanath-led state government was helping athletes represent India with distinction at national and international competitions.

Simran's achievement, he said, demonstrates how determination and sustained effort can turn challenges into opportunities.

Special Welcome Planned for Simran

In recognition of her accomplishment, Sachan has directed officials to make special arrangements for Simran's reception.

The concerned authorities have been instructed to receive her with due respect upon her arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi and arrange a grand welcome as she travels to Lucknow.

The department said the arrangements were intended to honour her sporting achievements and recognise her contribution to bringing laurels to the state and the country.

Previous International Achievements

Simran has previously demonstrated her abilities at several major international sporting events.

She won a bronze medal at the Paris Paralympic Games 2024, bringing recognition to India. She also secured gold and silver medals at the World Para Athletics Championships held in 2024 and 2025.

In addition, she represented India at the 2020 Paralympic Games, further establishing her presence in international para-athletics.

Her latest success at the Asian Para Games adds to this record of achievements and highlights her continued contribution to Indian para-sports.

Balancing Administrative Duties and Sporting Excellence

Sachan, who also serves as Vice-President of the Olympic Association and Chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Cycling Association, described Simran's achievements as a matter of pride for the state.

He noted that she was fulfilling her administrative responsibilities as a government officer while continuing to excel in competitive sports at the international level.

According to Sachan, her journey reflects perseverance, dedication and commitment, offering positive inspiration to society, particularly young people and aspiring athletes.

He expressed confidence that Simran would continue to perform strongly in future competitions and bring further recognition to Uttar Pradesh and India.

Her success at the Asian Para Games 2026 highlights the achievements of Indian para-athletes and the potential of sportspersons who pursue excellence while overcoming challenges.