India Shines at Paris 2024 Paralympics with Record 29 Medals, Secures 7 Gold

Sports Desk, September 09, 2024: India concluded its remarkable journey at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, securing a record-breaking total of 29 medals, including 7 gold, 9 silver, and 13 bronze. This outstanding performance has propelled India to 18th place in the overall medal tally, marking the country’s best-ever showing at a single edition of the Paralympic Games.

The Paris 2024 Paralympics saw Indian athletes shine across various disciplines, demonstrating their grit, talent, and determination. India’s tally of 29 medals is a significant improvement over its previous best haul, achieved during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, where India claimed 19 medals (5 Gold, 8 Silver, 6 Bronze). The increase in medal count at Paris signifies the growing prowess of Indian para-athletes on the global stage.

India’s success in Paris was led by athletes excelling in athletics, shooting, and badminton. Among the gold medalists, prominent names included:

– Sumit Antil, who secured his second consecutive Paralympic gold in javelin throw F64 with a record-breaking throw, continuing his dominance in the field.

– Avani Lekhara, another standout, defended her shooting title in the 10m Air Rifle SH1 category, marking her as one of the nation’s most successful Paralympians.

– Navdeep Singh, won gold in the men’s javelin throw F41 classification at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, setting a new Paralympic record with a throw over 47.32 meters.

Several other athletes contributed to India’s historic haul with silver and bronze medals across categories. India’s para-athletics team in particular stood out, showcasing the country’s growing depth in the sport.

India’s rise in the Paralympic arena is attributed to multiple factors, including increased support from government schemes such as the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), better infrastructure, and a growing focus on para-sports. The Indian Paralympic Committee, in collaboration with coaches and support staff, has also played a crucial role in nurturing talent.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his joy through the microblogging site ‘X,’ stating, “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.”

The Paris 2024 Paralympics highlighted the remarkable progress India has made in the world of para-sports, signaling a bright future for the country in upcoming global competitions.

With its 18th-place finish, India has set a new benchmark for future Paralympic participation. The country’s performance in Paris is expected to inspire a new generation of para-athletes, further strengthening India’s presence in the Paralympic movement. As India continues to invest in its athletes and sporting infrastructure, the nation looks forward to even greater success in future editions of the Games.

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