India kicked off the Paris Paralympics 2024 with a promising start, highlighted by Sheetal Devi’s record-breaking performance in the women’s individual compound open ranking round. She secured a personal best score of 703, earning a second-place finish. Adding to the excitement, Rakesh Kumar, with a score of 696, claimed fifth place in the men’s category. This remarkable duo’s combined total of 1399 points shattered the existing world record for the mixed team ranking round.
Beyond the archery arena, Indian athletes demonstrated their skill across various disciplines. In Para Badminton, Nitesh Kumar and Murugesan Thulasimathi triumphed over Suhas Yathiraj and Palak Kohli in the Mixed Doubles SL3-SU5 Group Play Stage. However, the duo faced a loss to Hikmat Ramdani and Leani Ratri Oktila from Indonesia in the same stage.
The Para Badminton mixed doubles SH6 Group Play Stage saw Sivarajan Solaimalai and Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan facing defeat against the American pair Miles Krajewski and Jayci Simon.
In individual events, Manasi Joshi faced a tough challenge against Qontiah Ikhitar Syakuroh of Indonesia in the Women’s Singles SL3 Group Play Stage, while Mandeep Kaur lost to Mariam Eniola Bolaji of Nigeria. On the other hand, Sukant Kadam Mohd secured a victory against Amin Burhanuddin of Malaysia in the Men’s Singles SL4 Group Play Stage.
India’s Suhas Yathiraj, Tarun, and Nitesh Kumar also secured wins in their respective men’s singles matches. Palak Kohli, Thulasimathi Murugesan, and Manisha Ramadass also registered victories in their respective women’s singles matches.
In Para Taekwondo, Aruna Tanwar faced a tough match against Nurcihan Ekinci of Turkey in the Women’s K44 47kg Round of 16.
Jyoti Gaderiya participated in the Para Cycling Track Women’s C1-3 3000m Individual Pursuit Qualifying, securing 10th place.
The first day of the Paris Paralympics witnessed a mix of triumphs and challenges for the Indian contingent. With a strong showing in archery, India is looking forward to more exciting performances throughout the games.
