India has achieved a historic milestone at the Paris Paralympics 2024, surpassing its previous record from Tokyo 2020 by securing a remarkable 20 medals. This extraordinary achievement underscores the continued growth and excellence of Indian para athletes on the global stage.
India’s contingent has not only surpassed its previous best of 19 medals from the Tokyo Paralympics but has also delivered an impressive performance across multiple disciplines. As of today, Indian athletes have won three golds, seven silvers, and ten bronze medals, marking Paris 2024 as India’s most successful Paralympic Games to date.
A strong showing in Para Athletics
Para athletics has been a significant contributor to this success, accounting for half of the total medals won. On Wednesday, the para athletics team delivered a spectacular performance, winning four medals within just 30 minutes.
In the men’s javelin throw F46 final, Ajeet Singh clinched a silver medal with a personal best throw of 65.62 meters, while Sundar Singh Gurjar secured a bronze with a season-best throw of 64.96 meters. This achievement marked India’s first double podium finish in athletics at the Paris Paralympics.
Further highlighting India’s prowess in para athletics, Sharad Kumar achieved a silver medal in the men’s high jump T63 final with a jump of 1.88 meters, setting a new Paralympic record in the T42 category. Kumar improved upon his bronze medal from Tokyo 2020. Close behind him was Mariyappan Thangavelu, who won the bronze with a jump of 1.85 meters, becoming the first Indian to win medals at three consecutive Paralympics (gold at Rio 2016, silver at Tokyo 2020, and bronze at Paris 2024).
Notable Achievements in other disciplines
India’s success extended beyond athletics. In shooting, Avani Lekhara made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win two gold medals at the Paralympics. She defended her title in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event with a world record score. Alongside her, Mona Agarwal won a bronze, marking the first time India achieved a double podium finish in a single event at the Paralympic Games.
In archery, armless archer Sheetal Devi set a world record in the ranking round before finishing second. She then teamed up with Rakesh Kumar to achieve a world record score in the compound mixed team qualification event. At just 17 years old, Sheetal Devi became India’s youngest Paralympic medallist, winning bronze in the mixed team event.
Preethi Pal also made history by securing India’s first-ever track event medal at the Paralympics with a bronze in the women’s 100m T35 race. She further added a bronze in the 200m T35 race.
Sumit Antil, in a stunning display of skill, won gold in the men’s javelin throw F64, setting a new Paralympic record with a throw of 70.59 meters. Remarkably, Antil broke his own previous record from Tokyo 2020 three times during the competition.
Deepthi Jeevanji added another historic achievement by becoming the first intellectually impaired Indian athlete to win a Paralympic medal, securing bronze in the women’s 400m T20 class.
Here’s the full list of India’s Medal Winners:
With a record 84 para athletes representing India across 12 disciplines—three more than Tokyo 2020—the Indian contingent has showcased its versatility and strength. Paris 2024 also saw Indian athletes competing in three new sports: para cycling, para rowing, and blind judo, reflecting the expanding horizons of Indian para sports.
Although India’s five gold medals at Tokyo 2020 remain its best in terms of golds won, the total medal tally of 20 at Paris 2024 stands as a testament to the evolving prowess of Indian para athletes on the world stage.
The Paris Paralympics have been a landmark event for India, symbolizing both progress and excellence in para sports.
