The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games are set to be a thrilling event, featuring both new and returning sports. Badminton will make its Paralympic debut, with 14 events across seven men’s, six women’s, and one mixed category. The sport features six classes based on the type and severity of impairment, with two wheelchair classes and four standing classes. While adhering to the standard rules of badminton (best of three games, each of 21 points), minor adjustments have been made for athletes with disabilities. In wheelchair singles, matches are played on half the court, allowing athletes to maneuver their chairs effectively. In standing classes, matches are primarily played on the full court, with exceptions for athletes with lower limb impairments who utilize half the court.
Table tennis, a mainstay in the Paralympics since the inaugural games in Rome 1960, will continue to be a highlight in Paris. Featuring 11 classes that reflect the degree of impairment, the sport allows athletes with a range of disabilities to compete on an equal playing field. The basic rules regarding equipment, match process, and point-scoring are similar to those used in the Olympic Games, with specific adaptations in certain classes for the ball toss during service. Matches are played as the best of five sets with 11 points in each.
Taekwondo, another exciting new addition, will showcase two disciplines: Kyorugi and Poomsae. While both disciplines are included in the sport, the Paralympics will only feature Kyorugi, which involves sparring for athletes with upper limb impairments. The events are divided into four classes (K41 to K44), with K41 representing the greatest degree of impairment. K44 and K43 will be integrated as a single sport class in Paris 2024. Men and women will compete in three weight categories each.
Paracanoe, returning for its second consecutive Paralympics, features athletes with impairments to the lower body or trunk competing over a 200m course. The races are contested in two types of boats: kayak and va’a (small boat in Polynesian). The classification system for athletes in paracanoe is based on the degree of impairment in their trunk and leg functions. For kayak events, athletes are categorized into KL1, KL2, and KL3 classes, while va’a events have VL1, VL2, and VL3 classifications.
With an impressive lineup of talented Indian athletes in each of these sports, India is poised for a strong performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The country’s para-athletes have proven their mettle time and again on the world stage, and the excitement for their participation in Paris is palpable. Keep an eye out for these athletes, whose dedication, skill, and determination will inspire millions worldwide.
