India’s performance at the 2024 Paris Paralympics was a historic achievement, marking the country’s best-ever showing with 29 medals and an 18th-place finish. This remarkable result is a significant improvement compared to previous Paralympic Games: India won only 4 medals and placed 43rd in the 2016 Rio Paralympics, and 19 medals with a 24th place finish in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.
Medals and Achievements
Medal Breakdown:
- Gold Medals: 7
- Silver Medals: 9
- Bronze Medals: 13
Out of the 29 medals, the majority—17 medals—were won in para-athletics, which includes track and field events specifically adapted for athletes with disabilities. This indicates a strong performance in this category.
Notable Performers:
- Sumit Antil (Javelin Thrower): Sumit Antil not only defended his gold medal but also set a new Paralympic record in his event, showcasing exceptional skill and strength.
- Avani Lekhara (Shooter): Avani Lekhara successfully defended her gold medal, reaffirming her position as one of the top shooters in the world.
- Mariyappan Thangavelu (High Jumper): Mariyappan Thangavelu won his third consecutive medal in high jump, demonstrating remarkable consistency and prowess over the years.
- Sheetal Devi (Armless Archer): At just 17 years old, Sheetal Devi became the youngest Indian to win a medal at the Paralympics, earning recognition for her outstanding archery skills despite her physical challenges.
- Harvinder Singh (Para-Archery): Harvinder Singh made history by winning India’s first-ever gold medal in para-archery, contributing to India’s diverse medal tally.
- Preethi Pal (Track Athlete): Preethi Pal made history by winning India’s first track medal—a bronze in the 100m T35 event. She followed this achievement with another bronze in the 200m, marking significant progress for Indian track athletes.
- Kapil Parmar (Para-Judo): Kapil Parmar won India’s first medal in para-judo, adding a new dimension to India’s achievements in the Paralympics.
- Hokato Sema (Shot Put): Hokato Sema, a 40-year-old Army man from Nagaland who lost a leg in the line of duty, achieved great success in the shot put, highlighting the indomitable human spirit and resilience.
Event Highlights
- Spectator Support: The 2024 Paralympics saw an overwhelming response from spectators, with over two million tickets sold. The events were held at the iconic Stade de France, which was nearly full each day, providing strong encouragement to the athletes.
- Inclusivity Efforts: The Games embraced a spirit of inclusivity, evident in the new emblem, mascot, and motto—“Games Wide Open”—which aimed to make the Paralympics more accessible and welcoming to a broader audience.
- Growth of Para-Sports: The large turnout and enthusiastic support for the Games are expected to boost the growth and acceptance of para-sports globally.
Future Implications
The success of the Indian athletes at the 2024 Paralympics should lead to increased support from both the government and corporate sectors in India. This support is crucial for ensuring that para-athletes continue to receive the resources and recognition they deserve, which can lead to even better performances in future competitions and improvements in their overall quality of life.
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