The Paralympic Games, a celebration of athleticism and human spirit, are set to take place in Paris from August 28th to September 8th, 2024. This year’s 17th Summer Paralympic Games will witness a gathering of nearly 4,400 athletes from across the globe, pushing boundaries and inspiring millions. India, known for its burgeoning Paralympic talent pool, is poised to make a significant impact at the Games.
With a record-breaking contingent of 84 athletes, India is sending its largest ever delegation to the Paralympics, surpassing the 54 athletes it sent to the Tokyo Games in 2020. The nation’s Paralympic athletes have consistently proven their mettle on the world stage, and the Paris Games present an opportunity to further solidify India’s position as a global powerhouse in Paralympic sports.
India’s Paralympic journey has been marked by remarkable achievements. The Tokyo 2020 Games saw India’s best performance at a single edition of the Paralympics, with a total of 19 medals won – a testament to the country’s dedication and training. This impressive haul included five gold, eight silver, and six bronze medals, securing India a 24th place finish in the medal table.
Athletics emerged as a dominant force for India in Tokyo, contributing eight medals to the national tally. Shooting and badminton followed closely behind with five and four medals respectively. The Tokyo Games also saw history being made, with Bhavina Patel becoming the first Indian table tennis player to win a Paralympic medal, and Harvinder Singh achieving a similar feat in archery. The highlight of India’s performance came with Avani Lekhara becoming the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic gold medal, triumphing in the women’s 10m air rifle shooting standing SH1.
As India prepares for the Paris Paralympics, the nation’s hopes are high. The athletes, fueled by their previous successes and unwavering determination, are eager to showcase their skills and spirit on the world stage. With a strong contingent and a legacy of achievements, India is poised to make its presence felt in Paris, aiming for even greater heights and inspiring generations to come.
