Indian Paralympic athletes delivered a historic performance at the 2024 Paris Paralympics (August 28 2024 – September 8) winning a remarkable 29 medals, marking the country’s best ever result in the global event for specially abled athletes. This achievement has ignited a wave of excitement and pride across the nation, with people from all walks of life celebrating the incredible success of our para-athletes. This Paralympic victory is not only significant in terms of medals but also a beacon of hope and inspiration for all.
All the para-athletes had a common dream to see India emerge triumphant at Paris Paralympics. This nationalistic fervour to emerge a winner in every sporting event was a crucial factor that resulted in the Indian contingent walking away with dozens of medals. India’s 2024 Paralympic medal haul is nearly five times the number of medals won by Indian Olympians in the same year, highlighting the contrast in performances between the two. The para-athletes dedication, determination and their achievements have been recognised and appreciated with immense enthusiasm. From every corner of the country, support poured in for these athletes who have shown that nothing is impossible with hard work.
A Turnaround from Past Performances
India’s journey in the Paralympics has seen a massive improvement over the years. From their debut in 1968 to 2016, India won only 12 medals in total. However, the last two editions, Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024, have witnessed a huge transformation in India’s performance. Together, these two editions have added 48 medals to India’s tally, taking the overall count to 60. This remarkable rise is a testament to the increasing focus and support for para-sports in the country.
India won 29 medals at the 2024 Paralympics, including seven golds, nine silvers, and 13 bronzes. This placed India in the top 20 of the overall medals tally, an impressive feat considering the competition from established sporting nations. India’s performance surpassed that of many advanced sporting countries like Switzerland, South Korea, Turkey, Argentina and Belgium.
Indian athletes excelled in throwing sports like javelin and shot put, as well as track events and high jump. Notably, this was the first time India won medals in track events at the Paralympics, thanks to athletes like Preethi Pal, Deepthi Jeevanji, and Simran Singh.
Triumph Over Adversity
Each of these 29 winners hasn’t just won a medal; they have overcome immense challenges that life cruelly forced upon them. They shattered stereotypes and stigmas, quietly battling the hardships of life with determination and resilience.
Avni Lekhra suffered a terrible car accident when she was 11yearold, injuring her spinal cord and leaving her paralysed from the waist down. This year, she won her second Paralympic gold medal. Mona Agarwal’s legs were affected by polio, and throughout her childhood, she faced ridicule and taunts from friends and relatives. However, in her debut outing at the Paralympics this year, she won a bronze medal. Nishad Kumar lost his right hand in an accident involving a foddercutting machine when he was just eightyearold. This year, he won his second silver medal at the Paris Paralympics. Sheetal Devi, born with a congenital condition that deprived her of arms, participated in her first Paralympics this year. The 17 yearold armless archer fires with her feet and won a bronze medal.
Sumit Antil was involved in a motorcycle accident with a tractor while on his way home from tuition. Despite doctors’ efforts, his leg had to be amputated. Sumit won gold this year at the Paralympics. Nithya Sre Sivan, who was taunted for her short height her entire life, won bronze in the SH6 category, which is for athletes of short stature who compete while standing. There are many others like them this year who are an inspiration to us all. These athletes encourage us all to rise above our struggles, challenge societal norms and overcome all the obstacles.
“Paralympics 2024 have been special and historical. India is overjoyed that our incredible para-athletes have brought home 29 medals, which is the best ever performance since India’s debut at the Games. This achievement is due to the unwavering dedication and indomitable spirit of our athletes. Their sporting performances have given us many moments to remember and inspired several upcoming athletes”: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
No Distinction between Olympians and Para-Athletes
Senior sports journalist Abhishek Dubey when asked by Organiser that, India is not a sports loving country, how did para athletes achieve such a significant improvement, said, “Before Tokyo, India had won only 12 medals in Paralympics, and after that, it has won 48 medals, which is a quantum jump. The reason for this is the public attention these sports personalities are getting. Now, we don’t just watch sports from Olympics to Olympics, we watch every sport series wise. There is a growing awareness of sports among people, and the foundation for becoming a sporting nation has been laid”.
Abhishek Dubey also lauded the Government’s schemes and contribution, ”For the first time in independent India, we see a Prime Minister who views both abled and disabled sports from the same perspective, and the Government sees no distinction between them. Since this message is coming from the top level, its impact is positive. Whether it’s the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) or the Khelo India Para Games, both have set the stage for para athletes. If this quantum leap continues, by 2032, India could win 100 medals and be among the top five nations in the Paralympics. Sports have now become a priority for the government, and process of making India a sporting nation has already begun”.
“In the Olympics, an athlete becomes a star after winning a medal, but in the Paralympics, the day a person becomes an athlete, they become a hero and an inspiration to the world. A normal person often complains about everything, but these individuals fight the battles of life. They teach us how to overcome all obstacles and remain happy in every situation. These athletes are not only a great source of inspiration for divyang individuals but even more for a person who is always in a complaining mood”, he said.
“The future of para-athletes in India is very bright. Indian para-athletes are known to fight against odds, and all they need is a little guidance and education. Once provided with that, you will see a surge in medals for the country”: Deepa Malik, Silver medallist, 2016 Paralympics and former President of Paralympic Committee of India
Para-Athletics drive India’s Success
Para- athletics was the standout events for India, contributing the most medals. Athletics alone accounted for 17 medals, making it the biggest contributor to India’s success. In addition to this, badminton and shooting played a significant role, with badminton contributing five medals and Indian shooters bringing home four medals. The shooting event was a bright spot for both the Olympics and Paralympics, with India winning medals in both.
The Role of Government and Khelo India Para Games
A significant factor contributing to India’s success at the 2024 Paralympics is the increased support from the Indian Government. The Government invested Rs 74 crore for the Paris Paralympic cycle, which was more than double the amount spent for Tokyo 2021. In addition to the increased funding, the induction of the Khelo India Para Games (KIPG) in 2023 also played a key role in promoting para sports. This event was a major milestone in providing a platform for disabled athletes to showcase their skills and compete at the national level. With over 1,500 athletes and participants from across India, the KIPG was conducted with high professionalism, featuring live telecasts and a live scoring system. The success of the KIPG demonstrated the growing seriousness of para sports in India and helped build momentum toward the 2024 Paralympics.
Deepa Malik, Silver medallist in 2016 Paralympics while speaking to Organiser said, “Since 2016, an inclusive policy for Paralympic players has been implemented in India. Earlier, only 7 disabilities were considered, but under the new national policy, this has been expanded to 21 disabilities. The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and Khelo India brought Paralympics into focus. Para athletes began to receive the same level of honour as able bodied athletes, including awards, cash rewards and media recognition for their achievements. All of these factors contributed to this transformation.”
“At school, I was more interested in sports than studies. I would compete with able-bodied children and was quite swift. My biggest weakness was my greatest strength in athletics because in sprints, one is required to run on the toes. That came naturally to me. It is unbelievable. Five months back, I was a nobody. Now, I have four international medals”: Preethi Pal, Double medallist (Bronze) in Paris Paralympics 2024
“This time, India participated in 12 sports. Paralympics is a highly competitive field, and athletes require double nutrition and diet because they push beyond their physical limitations, and they require twice the energy and mental stability in comparison to abled body athlete. When the Paralympic Committee began focusing on these needs and created an athlete centric environment, the results followed, leading to the success we see today,” she told Organiser.
“The future of para athletes in India is very bright. Indian divyangs are known to fight against odds, and all they need is a little guidance and education. Once provided with that, you will see a surge in medals for the country”, she further said.
Looking to the Future
India’s stunning success at the 2024 Paralympics has laid the foundation for even greater achievements in the future. With continued Government and public support, increased funding, and the use of advanced technology, India is poised to make its mark in future Paralympic Games. However, it is also essential to recognise that the athletes who may not have won medals this time are the champions of tomorrow.
The progress India has made in para sports over the last few years is a sign of things to come. As more and more athletes get opportunities to compete and showcase their talents, India’s Paralympic journey will only get stronger. The 2024 Paralympics may have been a historic milestone, but it is just the beginning of a bright future for India’s para-athletes.
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