India’s participation in the Paris 2024 Paralympics has been nothing short of extraordinary. Competing with a record 84 para-athletes across 12 disciplines, the Indian contingent is achieving new heights and delivering performances that are resonating on the global stage. From established champions to rising stars, India’s athletes are making their mark in history with every event.
Rising Stars and Defending Champions
At the forefront of India’s success are javelin thrower Sumit Antil and shooter Avani Lekhara, both gold medalists from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. Sumit Antil, who set a world record with a throw of 73.29 meters, remains a top contender in Paris, aiming to further cement his legacy. Meanwhile, Avani Lekhara continues to create history, becoming the first Indian woman to win two Paralympic gold medals. Her dominant performance in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event, where she set a world record, has solidified her status as one of India’s most celebrated athletes.
High jumper Mariyappan Thangavelu, a two-time Paralympic medalist, has also returned to Paris in pursuit of further success. After winning gold at Rio 2016 and silver at Tokyo 2020, Thangavelu is poised for another podium finish, adding to his illustrious career.
Other standout athletes include para table tennis player Bhavina Patel, who is vying for a second Paralympic medal after her historic performance in Tokyo. Similarly, archer Harvinder Singh, India’s first Paralympic medalist in archery, is determined to secure another victory in Paris.
New Challenges and Expanding Horizons
India’s participation at Paris 2024 is not only about defending titles but also breaking new ground. This year, Indian athletes are competing in three new sports: para cycling, para rowing, and blind judo. These additions represent the growing breadth of India’s Paralympic ambitions.
In para cycling, Arshad Shaik and Jyoti Gaderiya are representing India in the men’s and women’s C2 events, respectively. In blind judo, Kapil Parmar will compete in the men’s 60kg J1 event, while Kokila will take part in the women’s 48kg J2 category. Para rowing sees a strong representation with Anita and K. Narayana competing in the PR3 mixed doubles sculls, marking a significant expansion in India’s Paralympic presence.
Historic Milestones and Unforgettable Moments
India’s performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympics has already been filled with landmark achievements. Shooter Avani Lekhara‘s gold medal victory was accompanied by a bronze for Mona Agarwal, marking the first double podium finish in a single Paralympic event for India.
In archery, Sheetal Devi, an armless archer, briefly held the world record score in the ranking round before securing a silver medal. Sheetal Devi, alongside Rakesh Kumar, set a new world record in the compound mixed team qualification event, further showcasing India’s strength in archery.
On the track, Preethi Pal made history by winning India’s first-ever track medal at the Paralympics, earning a bronze in the women’s 100m T35 race with a personal best time. Her achievement marks a breakthrough in Indian athletics at the Paralympics and serves as an inspiration for future athletes.
Also read: Arjun Singh Cheema: A Rising Star in Indian Shooting
Paris 2024 Paralympics Medal Tally
As of now, India’s medal tally at the Paris 2024 Paralympics stands at:
- One Gold
- One Silver
- Two Bronze
These achievements are a testament to the unwavering determination, skill, and spirit of India’s para-athletes, as they continue to push boundaries and inspire millions across the world.
Looking Ahead
As the Paris 2024 Paralympics continue, India’s para-athletes are focused on securing more medals and making the nation proud. With strong performances across a range of disciplines and a steadily growing medal tally, India is showcasing its strength and resilience on the global Paralympic stage. Stay tuned as more records are broken, and new chapters of success are written at the Paris 2024 Paralympics!
India’s Medal Winners at the Paris 2024 Paralympics
| No. | Athlete | Sport | Event | Medal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Avani Lekhara | Shooting | Women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 | Gold |
| 2 | Mona Agarwal | Shooting | Women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 | Bronze |
| 3 | Preethi Pal | Athletics | Women’s 100m T35 | Bronze |
| 4 | Manish Narwal | Shooting | Men’s 10m air pistol SH1 | Silver |
India’s Paris 2024 Paralympics Medal Tally by Sport
| Sport | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletics | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Shooting | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| TOTAL | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
Overall Medal Table at the Paris 2024 Paralympics
| Rank | Country | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 5 | 4 | 2 | 11 |
| 2 | Australia | 3 | 2 | 1 | 6 |
| 3 | Great Britain | 2 | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| 4 | Italy | 2 | 2 | 5 | 9 |
| 5 | France | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| 10 | INDIA | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
Check out the Paralympic Medal Table now!
