India’s Paralympic Journey: From Heidelberg 1972 to Paris 2024

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, scheduled to take place from August 28 to September 8, mark a special occasion for India as the nation prepares to send its largest ever contingent to the Summer Games. With 84 athletes, including 32 women, India is aiming for a strong performance in the French capital.

This year’s participation marks a significant leap forward from the 54 athletes India sent to the Tokyo Paralympics. India’s Paralympic journey began in 1972 with a golden start in Heidelberg, West Germany, where Murlikant Petkar secured India’s first-ever Paralympic medal – a gold in the men’s 50-meter freestyle 3 category. This historic win set the stage for a legacy of achievements in the Paralympic Games.

Since then, India has consistently made its presence felt on the world stage, winning a total of 30 medals, including 19 at the Tokyo Paralympics. These medals include five gold, eight silver, and six bronze, showcasing the growth and talent within Indian Paralympic sport.

The list of India’s individual Paralympic medallists is a testament to the nation’s determination and resilience. Here’s a look at some of the notable athletes who have brought glory to India:

*

Heidelberg 1972:

Murlikant Petkar – Gold – Men’s 50-meter freestyle 3

*

Stoke Mandeville/New York 1984:

Bhimrao Kesarkar – Silver – Men’s javelin throw L6; Joginder Singh Bedi – Silver – Men’s javelin throw L6; Joginder Singh Bedi – Bronze – Men’s shot put L6; Joginder Singh Bedi – Bronze – Men’s discus throw L6

*

Athens 2004:

Devendra Jhajharia – Gold – Men’s javelin throw F44/46; Rajinder Singh Rahelu – Bronze – Men’s 56kg powerlifting

*

London 2012:

Girisha Nagarajegowda – Silver – Men’s high jump F42

*

Rio de Janeiro 2016:

Mariyappan Thangavelu – Gold – Men’s high jump F42; Devendra Jhajharia – Gold – Men’s javelin throw F46; Deepa Malik – Silver – Women’s shot put F53; Varun Singh Bhati – Bronze – Men’s high jump F42

*

Tokyo 2020:

Sumit Antil – Gold – Men’s javelin throw F64; Avani Lekhara – Gold – Women’s 10m air rifle shooting standing SH1; Manish Narwal – Gold – Men’s 50m pistol SH1; Parmod Bhagat – Gold – Men’s singles badminton SL3; Krishna Nagar – Gold – Men’s singles badminton SH6; Bhavina Patel – Silver – Women’s singles table tennis Class 4 category; Nishad Kumar – Silver – Men’s high jump T47; Devendra Jhajharia – Silver – Men’s javelin throw F46; Yogesh Kathuniya – Silver – Men’s discus throw F56; Mariyappan Thangavelu – Silver – Men’s high jump T42; Praveen Kumar – Silver – Men’s high jump T64; Singhraj Adhana – Silver – Men’s 50m pistol SH1; Suhas Yathiraj – Silver – Men’s singles badminton SL4; Sundar Singh Gurjar – Bronze – Men’s javelin throw F46; Singhraj Adhana – Bronze – Men’s 10m air pistol shooting SH1; Sharad Kumar – Bronze – Men’s high jump T42; Avani Lekhara – Bronze – Women’s 50m rifle 3 positions shooting SH1; Harvinder Singh – Bronze – Men’s individual recurve – open archery; Manoj Sarkar – Bronze – Men’s singles badminton SL3

The Paris 2024 Paralympics promise to be another chapter in India’s Paralympic success story. With a strong contingent and a legacy of achievements to draw upon, India is poised to make its mark on the world stage and inspire millions back home.