India's Historic Triumph at Paris Paralympics 2024
India has made history at the Paris Paralympics 2024 by securing an unprecedented 29 medals, comprising seven golds, nine silvers, and 13 bronzes. This phenomenal accomplishment placed India 18th in the overall medals table, marking the nation's best performance in the history of the Paralympic Games. This remarkable journey reflects a multi-sport effort that has successfully elevated India's status as a competitive force in the global arena.
The campaign, which concluded on a Sunday, saw its final event with Pooja Ojha narrowly missing out on qualifying for the final in the women's kayak 200m event. Despite this, the country has celebrated a string of impressive achievements across various sports, outshining some traditional powerhouses like Switzerland, South Korea, Belgium, and Argentina. The last medal for India was clinched by Navdeep Singh, who secured gold in the men's javelin throw F41 classification. Singh originally won a silver medal with a remarkable 47.32m throw but was upgraded to gold following the disqualification of Iran's Beit Sadegh.
Star Performers in Track and Field
Track and field athletes played a significant role in India's medal haul, with a total of 17 medals, including four golds. Navdeep Singh's gold medal is particularly noteworthy as it serves as a redemption for him after narrowly missing the podium at the Tokyo Paralympics. Another standout performer was Preethi Pal, who etched her name into the history books by becoming the first Indian woman to medal in athletics at the Paralympics, securing two bronze medals in the 100m and 200m (T35) sprints.
Similarly, Simran Sharma delivered yet another memorable performance, securing a bronze medal in the women's 200m (T12) event with a personal best time of 24.75 seconds. Her victory came with the assistance of her guide Abhay Singh, underscoring the importance of teamwork and collaboration in the sport.
Achievements in Shooting and Badminton
In the shooting events, Avani Lekhara successfully defended her Tokyo 2020 title in the women's 10m air rifle standing SH1, becoming a two-time Paralympic gold medallist. Lekhara's triumph further solidified her status as a dominant force in the sport, and her win has inspired countless aspiring athletes in India.
On the badminton court, history was made by Thulasimathi Murugesan, who became the first Indian woman to win a medal in para-badminton. She secured a silver in the women's singles SU5 category. Indian women's para-shuttlers demonstrated their growing prowess by adding three more medals to India's tally, marking their first-ever Paralympic podium finishes in badminton.
Breaking Records in Javelin and Archery
Sumit Antil once again showcased his supremacy in the men's javelin throw F64 event. He repeatedly broke the world record to defend his title from Tokyo 2020, demonstrating his exceptional skill and determination. Antil's performance has set a new benchmark in the sport, and his relentless pursuit of excellence continues to inspire.
In archery, a young sensation emerged in the form of 17-year-old Sheetal Devi. Her exceptional skills and composure under pressure contributed significantly to India's medal tally. Devi's performance not only highlights her talent but also shows the potential of India's burgeoning young athletes in the sport of archery.
A Campaign to Remember
This year's Paralympics campaign has undoubtedly been a historic and unforgettable one for India. The athletes' dedication, hard work, and perseverance have paid off, and their achievements have brought immense pride to the nation. The Paris Paralympics 2024 will be remembered as a significant milestone in India's sports history, showcasing the limitless potential of differently-abled athletes on the world stage. With continued support and resources, India is poised to achieve even greater feats in future international sporting events.