India’s performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympics was a resounding success, as the nation achieved its best-ever medal haul at the quadrennial event. A total of 29 medals, including seven gold, nine silver, and thirteen bronze, surpassed the previous record of 19 medals won at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
The Paris Games saw 4,400 athletes from around the globe compete in 549 medal events across 22 different sports. Several Indian athletes made their mark by repeating their medal-winning performances from Tokyo 2020. Among the gold medalists from Tokyo, Sumit Antil and Avani Lekhara retained their titles in the men’s javelin F64 and women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1, respectively. Nishad Kumar also successfully defended his silver medal in the men’s high jump T47.
In badminton, Suhas Yathiraj secured the silver medal in the men’s singles SL4, finishing runner-up to France’s Lucas Mazur for the second consecutive Paralympics. Yogesh Kathuniya achieved a season-best throw of 42.22 meters, earning him his second consecutive silver medal in the men’s discus throw F56. Sundar Singh Gurjar continued his impressive form, winning bronze in the men’s javelin throw F46 for the second time.
Several Indian athletes demonstrated their consistency and improvement by winning medals in both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Paralympics. Mariyappan Thangavelu, a consistent performer, added a bronze medal in the men’s high jump T63 to his impressive collection, having previously won gold in Rio 2016 and silver in Tokyo 2020. Sharad Kumar also achieved a personal best, upgrading his Tokyo bronze to a silver medal in the same event. Manish Narwal, who won gold in the men’s 50m pistol SH1 in Tokyo, secured a silver medal in Paris.
India’s archery team also made history in Paris, with Harvinder Singh securing the nation’s first-ever Paralympic archery gold medal in the men’s individual recurve event. Praveen Kumar, who won silver in the men’s high jump T64 in Tokyo, stepped up to claim the gold medal in Paris.
The Indian contingent’s exceptional performance in Paris is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the athletes, coaches, and support staff. It is a moment of pride for the nation, as they continue to elevate their presence on the global stage and inspire a new generation of athletes.
