India’s Remarkable Representation at the Paris 2024 Paralympics: Medal Prospects and Notable Athletes
The Paris 2024 Paralympics are set to feature a historic turnout for India, with an unprecedented 84 para athletes representing the nation from August 28 to September 8. This edition marks a significant expansion in India’s participation, as the country is poised to compete across 12 disciplines, which is three more disciplines than those contested at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
India’s contingent will be led by prominent athletes such as javelin thrower Sumit Antil and shooter Avani Lekhara, both of whom achieved remarkable feats at the Tokyo Paralympics. Sumit Antil holds the world record in javelin throw with an impressive distance of 73.29 meters, while Avani Lekhara made history as India’s first female Paralympic gold medallist. Additionally, high jumper Mariyappan Thangavelu, a two-time medal winner from the Paralympic Games, will also reinforce the strength of the Indian team. He clinched gold at the Rio 2016 Games and silver at the Tokyo 2020 edition.
Moreover, para table tennis player Bhavina Patel and archer Harvinder Singh, who secured India’s inaugural medals in their respective sports, will pursue further accolades at the forthcoming Games. The Tokyo 2020 Paralympics saw India reach unprecedented heights, tallying a total of 19 medals, including five gold, eight silver, and six bronze.
At the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Indian athletes will also participate in three newly introduced sports: para cycling, para rowing, and blind judo. Noteworthy competitors include Arshad Shaik, who will represent India in the men’s C2 para cycling category, and Jyoti Gaderiya in the women’s C2 events. In blind judo, Kapil Parmar will contest in the men’s 60kg J1 division, alongside Kokila, who will compete in the women’s 48kg J2 category. Additionally, Anita and K. Narayana will pair up in the PR3 mixed doubles sculls in para rowing.
As of now, India has made a commendable start at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, securing five medals: one gold, one silver, and three bronze. Avani Lekhara has once again emerged as a prominent figure, defending her title in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event with a world record score, marking her as the first Indian woman to win two gold medals at the Paralympic Games. Furthermore, Mona Agarwal’s bronze win contributed to a historic double podium finish for India in this event.
The progression of Indian para athletes is exemplified by armless archer Sheetal Devi, who briefly held the world record in the ranking round before ultimately finishing as the runner-up. Later, combined efforts by Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi resulted in a new world record score in the compound mixed team qualification event.
In addition, Preethi Pal’s bronze in the women’s 100m T35 race, achieved with a personal best, represents India’s first medal in track events at the Paralympics, further exemplifying the country’s growing prowess in Paralympic sports.
In conclusion, the Indian contingent at the Paris 2024 Paralympics not only signifies a robust presence in numerous disciplines but also symbolizes a brighter future for para sports in India. With the Games still ongoing, the nation looks forward to further triumphs as these remarkable athletes continue to showcase their talents on the global stage.
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