India’s participation in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games has marked a milestone in the country’s sporting history. With a record 29 medals (seven gold, nine silver and 13 bronze), India has concluded its most successful Paralympic campaign ever. By securing 18th position in the overall medal table, this achievement not only surpasses the country’s previous records but also highlights India’s growing importance in the global Paralympic sports arena.
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A glorious campaign
The Paris Games have been spectacular for India, with athletes showing unrivalled determination and skill in a multitude of events. The campaign concluded with a dramatic ending as Pooja Ojha failed to make it to the final of the women’s 200m kayak, but the overall performance has been a cause for celebration.
Featured performances
Among the many highlights of India’s campaign was Navdeep Singh’s dramatic turn of events in the men’s javelin throw F41. Navdeep, who had originally claimed silver with a throw of 47.32m, won the gold medal following the disqualification of Iran’s Beit Sadegh for a code of conduct violation. This victory was particularly sweet for Navdeep, who had not made the podium at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
The athletics events were a goldmine for India, which contributed 17 medals to the overall tally. Preethi Pal etched her name in the annals of history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a medal in athletics, bagging bronze in both the 100m and 200m (T35). Similarly, Sumit Antil dominated the men’s javelin throw F64, defending his title and breaking world records along the way.
Historic achievements in other sports
In shooting, Avani Lekhara successfully defended her Tokyo 2020 title in the women’s 10m air rifle SH1 event, adding another gold to her illustrious career. In the para-badminton arena, Thulasimathi Murugesan created history as the first Indian woman to win a medal, clinching silver in the women’s individual SU5 event. Indian women’s para-badminton also chipped in with three more medals, marking their first ever Paralympic podium.
Archery also saw historic moments as Harvinder Singh became India’s first Paralympic gold medallist in archery. Young prodigy Sheetal Devi, aged just 17, won bronze in the mixed team open compound archery event, making her the youngest Indian Paralympic medallist.
The road ahead
India’s stellar performance in Paris is not just a culmination of years of hard work and dedication but also a beacon of hope for future Paralympians. With a wide range of disciplines contributing to this historic record, the future of Indian Paralympic sports looks incredibly bright. The achievements in Paris set a new standard and are expected to propel the country towards even greater success at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Record-breaking performances: key medalists
Avani Lekhara: Gold in Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1
Sumit Antil: Gold in Men’s Javelin Throw F64
Harvinder Singh: Gold in Men’s Open Individual Recurve
Navdeep Singh: Gold in Men’s Javelin Throw F41
Thulasimathi Murugesan: Silver in women’s singles SU5
India’s remarkable performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games highlights the country’s growing prowess in Paralympic sports and sets a high standard for future athletes. As the country celebrates this unprecedented success, the impact of these achievements will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of athletes to reach for the stars.
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