India at Paralympics 2024: A Comprehensive Overview of Expectations and Highlights

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games have commenced with an electrifying opening ceremony that took place on the night of August 28, 2024. This grand event marks the beginning of a series of competitions that will unfold in the picturesque French capital. The opening ceremony, which started at 11:30 pm IST, was a spectacle of lights, music, and celebration, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable Paralympic Games. Scheduled to conclude on September 9, the games will feature events starting from 11 am IST and continuing well past midnight, ensuring a packed schedule for sports enthusiasts. While most medal events will be held in the evening or at night in India, shooting events are an exception, taking place earlier in the day.

With a staggering 549 events across 22 different sports, the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games are a testament to the spirit of competition and inclusion. India is set to make a significant impact, with representation in 12 of these sports. The Paralympics, which have a rich history of showcasing athletic prowess and resilience, categorize athletes into different sport classes based on their physical impairments. There are eight distinct types of impairment categories, and while some sports have only one sport class, others boast more than 50, reflecting the diverse range of abilities and talents among the athletes.

This year’s Paralympics will see participation from 167 countries, including neutral athletes and a refugee team, underscoring the global nature of the event. India, with its largest-ever contingent of 84 para-athletes, is poised to make a mark in the international arena. These athletes will compete in three new disciplines added to the program: para cycling, para rowing, and blind judo. Among the star athletes representing India are Sumit Antil, Avani Lekhara, Manish Narwal, Krishna Nagar, and Sheetak Devi. However, the absence of Pramod Bhagat, who is serving a doping ban, is a notable exception.

The rise of India’s para-athletes has been nothing short of remarkable. It took India 32 years to win a second individual gold medal at the 2004 Paralympics, but the past decade has seen a significant uptick in performance. At the Tokyo Paralympics, India achieved a record-breaking haul of 19 medals, including five golds. This momentum continued at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Para Games, where India secured a staggering 111 medals, 29 of which were gold. With 84 Indian para-athletes competing in 12 sports at the Paris Paralympics, there is a strong expectation that this increased participation will translate into more medals for the country.

Sumit Antil, a para javelin thrower in the F64 category, is one of India’s brightest hopes. At the Tokyo Paralympics, he not only won gold but also broke the world record thrice. Since then, he has further improved his world record at the Para World Championships and the Para Asian Games in 2020. Avani Lekhara, another standout athlete, made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the Paralympics in 2020. She also became the first female para-athlete from India to win multiple medals at a single Paralympic Games. Despite facing immense challenges, including becoming paraplegic at the age of 11 due to a car accident, Avani’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination.

In addition to Antil and Lekhara, several other Indian para-athletes are poised for success at the Paris Paralympics. Sheetal Devi, a 17-year-old para-archer from Jammu, competes without arms due to a rare congenital condition. Her remarkable ability to shoot using her feet has made her a standout in the international para-archery community. Krishna Nagar, a world champion in men’s singles for short stature athletes, aims to defend his title in Paris. Overcoming bullying and societal stigma related to his dwarfism, Krishna has found solace and success in sports, particularly badminton.

Yogesh Kathuniya’s story is equally inspiring. Diagnosed with a neurological disorder as a child, Yogesh overcame significant challenges to become a para-athlete. He rewrote the world record in the men’s discus F36 event at the 2018 Berlin Para Athletics Grand Prix and aims to break more records at the Paris Paralympics. The dedication and perseverance of these athletes highlight the transformative power of sports and the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity.

As the first batch of Indian para-athletes, led by Sumit Antil, departed for Paris, there was a palpable sense of anticipation and hope. The team is well-prepared and motivated, with many athletes drawing inspiration from their able-bodied counterparts, such as Neeraj Chopra, who recently won silver at the Paris Olympics. Chopra’s advice to Antil—to trust his preparation and avoid trying anything new—resonates with the broader philosophy of staying focused and consistent in the face of high-stakes competition.

The broadcast of the Paralympics will be accessible to a wide audience in India, with coverage available on the Sports 18 network and Jio Cinema. For more comprehensive coverage, viewers can turn to ESPN. This extensive media coverage ensures that the achievements and stories of para-athletes reach a broad audience, inspiring future generations and promoting inclusivity in sports.

The journey of India’s para-athletes is a narrative of resilience, determination, and triumph against odds. From Sumit Antil’s world-record-breaking performances to Avani Lekhara’s historic achievements, these athletes embody the spirit of the Paralympics. As they compete on the global stage in Paris, they carry the hopes and aspirations of a nation, showcasing the transformative power of sports and the limitless potential of human endurance.

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games are not just a sporting event; they are a celebration of human potential and the relentless pursuit of excellence. For India, these games represent an opportunity to build on past successes and set new benchmarks. With a strong contingent of 84 para-athletes, the country is well-positioned to make a significant impact. As the events unfold, the stories of these athletes will continue to inspire and resonate, leaving an indelible mark on the world of sports.

In conclusion, the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games promise to be a landmark event for India’s para-athletes. With a record number of participants and high expectations, the stage is set for memorable performances and historic achievements. As we follow their journey, we are reminded of the power of sports to transcend physical limitations and unite people across the globe. The resilience and determination of these athletes serve as a powerful reminder that with perseverance and support, anything is possible.