India’s Record-Breaking Performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympics

India has once again made history at the Paralympic Games, this time at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, surpassing the record set in Tokyo 2020. The Indian contingent won an impressive 20 medals, marking a significant milestone in the country's Paralympic journey. This achievement not only highlights the talent and determination of India’s para-athletes but also reflects the growing support and recognition for para-sports in the country.

A Historic Medal Haul

The Paris 2024 Paralympics was a monumental event for India, where the nation’s para-athletes brought home a total of 20 medals. This tally includes three gold, seven silver, and ten bronze medals, surpassing the previous record of 19 medals won at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the hard work, perseverance, and dedication of the athletes, their coaches, and the entire support staff.

Dominance in Para Athletics and Badminton

India’s success at the Paris Paralympics was largely driven by its dominance in para athletics and badminton. Out of the 20 medals, half were won in para athletics, showcasing the country’s strength in this field. Para badminton also made a significant contribution, with Indian athletes securing five medals. The remaining medals were won in shooting (four) and archery (one), highlighting the versatility and broad talent across different sports.

Double Podium Finishes in Athletics

One of the most notable achievements for India at the Paris Paralympics was the double podium finishes in athletics. In the men’s javelin throw F46 final, Ajeet Singh won a silver medal with a personal best throw of 65.62m, while Sundar Singh Gurjar claimed the bronze with a season-best throw of 64.96m. This marked India’s first double podium finish in athletics at the Paris Paralympics, an incredible feat that added to the country’s medal tally.

Similarly, in the men’s high jump T63 final, India once again had two athletes on the podium. Sharad Kumar won the silver medal with a jump of 1.88m, setting a new Paralympic record in the T42 category. Mariyappan Thangavelu, who won gold at the Rio 2016 Paralympics, claimed the bronze with a jump of 1.85m. This double podium finish in high jump further solidified India’s dominance in athletics at the Paralympics.

A Comprehensive Medal Breakdown

India’s medal haul at the Paris 2024 Paralympics is a reflection of the diverse talent pool within the country. The detailed breakdown of the medals is as follows:

Gold Medals:

Avani Lekhara in Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing

Nitesh Kumar in Badminton (Men’s Singles SL3)

Sumit Antil in Javelin Throw F64

Silver Medals:

Manish Narwal in Men’s 10m Air Pistol

Nishad Kumar in Men’s High Jump T47

Yogesh Kathuniya in Men’s Discus Throw F56

 Thulasimathi Murugesan in Badminton (Women’s Singles SU5)

Suhas Yathiraj in Badminton (Men’s Singles SL4)

Sharad Kumar in Men’s High Jump T63

Ajeet Singh in Men’s Javelin Throw F46

Bronze Medals:

Mona Agarwal in Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing

Preethi Pal in Women’s 100m T35

Rubina Francis in Women’s 10m Air Pistol SH1

Preethi Pal in Women’s 200m T35

Manisha Ramadass in Badminton (Women’s Singles SU5)

Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi in Archery (Mixed Team Compound Open)

Deepthi Jeevanji in Women’s 400m T20

Mariyappan Thangavelu in Men’s High Jump T63

Sundar Singh Gurjar in Men’s Javelin Throw F46

Key Highlights of Indian Gold Medalists

India’s gold medalists at the Paris Paralympics include some of the most inspirational athletes in the country. Avani Lekhara, who had already made history by winning gold in Tokyo 2020, repeated her success by clinching another gold in Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing at Paris 2024. Nitesh Kumar showcased his dominance in para badminton by winning gold in the Men’s Singles SL3 category. Sumit Antil, another star from Tokyo 2020, continued his incredible form by winning gold in the Javelin Throw F64 category.

India's Legacy in Paralympics

India’s performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympics has further strengthened the country’s legacy in para-sports. Over the years, Indian para-athletes have consistently raised the bar, inspiring millions with their achievements. From Murlikant Petkar, who won India’s first Paralympic gold in 1972, to the current generation of athletes like Avani Lekhara and Sumit Antil, India’s journey in the Paralympics has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Conclusion

The record-breaking performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympics is a proud moment for India. It is a reflection of the athletes’ grit, the support from the government, and the growing infrastructure for para-sports in the country. As India continues to break barriers and set new records in the Paralympics, the future looks bright for para-sports in the nation. This achievement not only brings glory to the country but also inspires a new generation of athletes to dream big and aim for the stars.