Paris, France – In an unprecedented display of athletic prowess, India’s para-athletes have rewritten the record books at the Paris Paralympics 2024, clinching a historic tally of 29 medals. This remarkable achievement not only surpassed India’s previous best but also underscored the nation’s rising dominance in the Paralympic arena.
The Indian contingent, fueled by an unyielding spirit, secured 7 gold, 9 silver, and 13 bronze medals, setting a new benchmark for Indian sports history. This performance not only doubled the gold medal count from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics but also significantly elevated India’s position in the global para-sports community.
Athletics Leads the Charge – Athletics emerged as the cornerstone of India’s success, with athletes like Sumit Antil defending his javelin throw title with a Paralympic record, and Navdeep Singh clinching a gold in the men’s javelin F41 category, showcasing India’s depth in para-athletics. The track and field events alone contributed significantly to the medal tally, with athletes like Preethi Pal and Deepthi Jeevanji making history in their respective categories.
Diversification in Sports – The Paris Paralympics also marked India’s debut in new sports like paracycling, para rowing, and blind judo, highlighting the broadening scope of para-sports in the country. This diversification was not just symbolic but also fruitful, with athletes like Kapil Parmar winning bronze in judo, adding to the medal haul.
Archery and Badminton Shine – Archery and badminton were other arenas where India shone brightly. Harvinder Singh’s gold in the men’s individual recurve open was a moment of pride, marking India’s first archery gold in Paralympic history. Meanwhile, badminton saw a flurry of medals, with athletes like Nitesh Kumar and Suhas Yathiraj leading the charge.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed this achievement as “special and historical,” reflecting the national sentiment. The performance in Paris not only showcased the athletes’ skills but also the robust support system, including better training facilities, sports science integration, and a growing awareness and acceptance of para-sports within India.
This historic medal haul at the Paris Paralympics is more than just numbers; it’s a testament to the indomitable spirit of India’s para-athletes and a clear signal of India’s intent to become a powerhouse in para-sports. As the world looks towards the next Paralympic Games, India’s performance in Paris sets a high bar, not just for its athletes but for the global para-sports community, inspiring future generations to dream bigger and achieve more.
