The Paris Paralympics 2024 officially kicked off on August 28th, with over 4,400 athletes from across the globe set to compete in 22 sports over 11 days. This year’s games hold a special significance, as the opening ceremony will be held outside a stadium for the first time in Paralympic history.
India’s contingent, comprising 52 athletes and 54 officials, is looking to build upon the success of the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics, where they secured 19 medals, including 5 gold. This time, their sights are set even higher, with a target of winning 25 medals, including a double-digit gold count.
Leading the charge for India is the javelin thrower Sumit Antil, defending his gold from Tokyo, and shot putter Bhagyashree Jadhav, who will be the joint flag bearers for the opening ceremony. The 10-member shooting team, however, will not participate in the Parade of Nations, as their competitions are scheduled for August 29th.
Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, took to social media to express his support for the Indian team, sharing a graphic created by ChatGPT that captured his excitement for the team’s potential.
The history of the Paralympic Games is a story of resilience and inspiration. The Games were founded by neurologist Sir Ludwig Guttman, who worked with spinal injury patients after World War II, recognizing the power of sports for rehabilitation. The first Paralympics were held in Rome in 1960, with 400 wheelchair athletes from 23 countries competing in 8 sports.
The Paris Paralympics 2024 marks the 17th edition of these games, promising a thrilling spectacle of athleticism and determination. As the world watches, India’s athletes are poised to write a new chapter in the nation’s Paralympic history.
