Introduction
Athletics Paralympics 2024 Medals : have marked an extraordinary chapter in India’s Paralympic history, with the nation fielding its largest-ever contingent and securing a commendable number of medals across various sports.
With the theme “Sport for All,” Paris 2024 has proven to be a milestone event for athletes with disabilities, particularly for India’s para-athletes, who have shown exceptional resilience and skill.
The competition, held from August 28 to September 8, 2024, has seen India achieve significant milestones, including its first-ever track medal and double podium finishes in shooting.
India’s Representation and Key Athletes
A Record-Breaking Contingent
India sent a record 84 para-athletes to the Paris 2024 Paralympics, a significant increase from the 54 athletes who represented the country at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. This contingent competed across 12 disciplines, three more than in Tokyo, showcasing India’s growing strength in Paralympic sports. Among these athletes were seasoned champions like Sumit Antil and Avani Lekhara, who had already made their mark in the previous Games.(Athletics Paralympics 2024 Medals)
Key Athletes to Watch
- Sumit Antil: Javelin thrower Sumit Antil, who set a world record at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics with a throw of 73.29 meters, was one of the key figures in India’s 2024 Paralympic campaign. Antil’s performance was highly anticipated, as he aimed to defend his title and potentially break his own record.
- Avani Lekhara: Shooter Avani Lekhara, India’s first female Paralympic gold medallist, returned to the Games with high expectations. Her remarkable achievement in Tokyo inspired a new generation of para-athletes. In Paris, she continued to lead by example, adding more medals to her already impressive tally.
- Mariyappan Thangavelu: The high jumper and two-time Paralympic medallist Mariyappan Thangavelu was another star in the Indian contingent. With a gold from Rio 2016 and a silver from Tokyo 2020, Thangavelu aimed to add another medal to his collection in Paris.
- Bhavina Patel and Harvinder Singh: Bhavina Patel, a para table tennis player, and Harvinder Singh, an archer, both of whom won India’s first Paralympic medals in their respective disciplines at Tokyo 2020, also represented the country in Paris. Their participation highlighted India’s growing presence in these sports.
India’s Historic Performances.(Athletics Paralympics 2024 Medals)
Shooting: Double Podium Finish
India’s most historic moment at the Paris 2024 Paralympics came in shooting, where Avani Lekhara made headlines by defending her title in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event. Lekhara not only won the gold but also set a new world record, becoming the first Indian woman to win two Paralympic gold medals. The event also saw Mona Agarwal secure a bronze, marking India’s first-ever double podium finish at the Paralympic Games.
Athletics: A Landmark Track Medal
In athletics, Preethi Pal made history by winning a bronze in the women’s 100m T35 race, setting a personal best. This was a significant achievement, as it marked India’s first-ever medal in a track event at the Paralympics, underscoring the progress and potential of Indian para-athletes in track and field events.
Archery: Close Calls and New Records
Archer Sheetal Devi made headlines in the ranking rounds by briefly holding the world record score before finishing with a silver medal. Alongside Rakesh Kumar, she also set a world record in the compound mixed team qualification event. Although they did not secure gold, their performances were a testament to India’s growing prowess in archery.
New Sports and Debuts
Para Cycling, Para Rowing, and Blind Judo
Paris 2024 saw India participating in three new sports: para cycling, para rowing, and blind judo. Arshad Shaik and Jyoti Gaderiya represented India in the men’s and women’s C2 para cycling events, respectively. While they did not reach the podium, their participation marked an important step for India in these emerging disciplines.
In blind judo, Kapil Parmar and Kokila represented India in the men’s 60kg J1 event and the women’s 48kg J2 category, respectively. Although they did not win medals, their performances were commendable, given the challenges of competing in a sport making its debut for India.
Anita and K. Narayana, competing in PR3 mixed doubles sculls in para rowing, also showcased India’s potential in this sport, which is still in its nascent stages in the country. Their participation highlighted India’s expanding footprint in a diverse range of Paralympic sports.
Medal Tally Overview.(Athletics Paralympics 2024 Medals)
Current Standings
As of September 1, 2024, India has secured five medals at the Paris Paralympics: one gold, one silver, and three bronze. The medal tally is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the athletes and their support teams, and it reflects India’s rising status in the global Paralympic community.
Table: India’s Medal Tally at Paris 2024 Paralympics
| Athlete | Sport | Event | Medal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avani Lekhara | Shooting | Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 | Gold |
| Sheetal Devi | Archery | Compound Mixed Team | Silver |
| Mona Agarwal | Shooting | Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 | Bronze |
| Preethi Pal | Athletics | Women’s 100m T35 | Bronze |
| Bhavina Patel | Table Tennis | Women’s Singles Class 4 | Bronze |
Comparing with Tokyo 2020
India’s performance in Paris has already been remarkable, though it may not surpass the 19-medal haul from Tokyo 2020, which included five golds, eight silvers, and six bronzes. However, the diversity of sports in which India has won medals in Paris demonstrates the country’s expanding capabilities in the Paralympic arena.
The Road Ahead
Remaining Events and Medal Prospects
With several days left in the Games, India has the potential to add more medals to its tally. Events in javelin, high jump, and wheelchair tennis, among others, present opportunities for Indian athletes to shine further.
Long-Term Impact
The achievements at Paris 2024 are expected to have a lasting impact on India’s Paralympic movement. The success stories from these Games will likely inspire more individuals with disabilities to pursue sports, supported by better training facilities and increased funding. Additionally, the performance of Indian athletes in newer sports like para cycling and blind judo may encourage the inclusion of these sports in future national and international competitions.
Conclusion
The Paris 2024 Paralympics have been a landmark event for India, with significant achievements that will be remembered for years to come. The country’s para-athletes have shown that with the right support and determination, they can compete with the best in the world. As India looks to the future, the foundation laid at these Games will undoubtedly lead to even greater successes at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics and beyond.
For more in-depth coverage and to stay updated on India’s progress in the Paralympic Games, visit the official Paralympics website.
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