Nita Ambani, an IOC member, hosted a grand event, ‘United in Triumph,’ to celebrate the achievements of India’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes. The event, organized by Reliance Foundation, brought together nearly 140 Olympians and Paralympians for the first time, showcasing the unifying spirit of sports.
India’s performance at the 2024 Paris Paralympics was a testament to the country’s growing strength in para sports. With a record-breaking 29 medals, India showcased a transformed ecosystem fueled by policy changes, increased funding, and a dedicated network of support. This article explores the journey of Indian para-athletes, highlighting the challenges overcome, the initiatives implemented, and the bright future that lies ahead.
The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has announced a combined INR 50 lakh reward for the Indian para badminton players who won five medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. This includes a historic gold medal for Nitesh Kumar and the first-ever Paralympic medals for Indian women shuttlers.
Indian archer Harvinder Singh, a para-athlete who overcame a childhood injury, secured a historic gold medal in the men’s individual recurve open category at the Paris Paralympics. In an exclusive interview, he reveals the mental fortitude, training regimen, and unwavering support system that propelled him to victory.
AirAsia is celebrating the achievements of Asean athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games with its ‘Olympics Champion Pass’ initiative, offering free flights to medalists as part of its ‘Dare To Dream’ campaign. The initiative recognizes the athletes’ dedication, resilience, and inspiring achievements.
Kapil Parmar, a visually impaired judoka from India, overcame adversity and societal prejudice to become India’s first Paralympic medalist in the sport. His journey from facing taunts to achieving international recognition is a testament to his resilience and determination.
Indian para shuttler Thulasimathi Murugesan’s silver medal win at the Paralympics in Paris is a testament to her unwavering determination and the dedication of her coach, L. Raju. Despite facing a congenital deformity and significant pain during training, Thulasimathi persevered to achieve this remarkable feat.
Valentina Petrillo, a transgender sprinter competing at the Paris Paralympics, has faced criticism and transphobic remarks despite finding a welcoming environment within the Paralympic village. Petrillo’s experience highlights the ongoing debate surrounding transgender athletes in sports and the need for greater understanding and inclusivity.
India’s Paralympic contingent returned home to a hero’s welcome, having secured a record 29 medals in Paris. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced generous cash rewards for the medalists and pledged full support to ensure future success in the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.
Australia is embarking on its largest-ever talent search, aiming to identify the next generation of Olympic and Paralympic athletes who will compete on home soil at the 2032 Brisbane Games. The ‘Future Green and Gold’ program will offer aspiring athletes, regardless of prior experience, a chance to train under elite coaches and compete on the world stage.
