How is India’s performance at the Paris Paralympics 2024: A Remarkable Journey of Wins and Records

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India’s performance at the Paris Paralympics 2024 by para-athletes is making waves, with a medal count of 9 so far. With many more events to come, India is hopeful for additional medals as the games progress.
How is India's performance at the Paris Paralympics 2024

India’s performance at the Paris Paralympics 2024 has been outstanding, demonstrating the country’s rising talent in parasports. As of Day 5, Indian para-athletes have excelled in a number of different disciplines, winning nine medals in all—two gold, three silver, and four bronze. There’s a good chance more medals will be won in the next events as the games go on.

Day 1 to Day 5: A Brief Recap of India’s Paralympics Journey

The opening days of the Paralympics saw a strong start from the Indian contingent, setting the stage for a successful campaign.

Day 1 was marked by a mix of anticipation and excitement, with Indian athletes participating in various heats and preliminary rounds in athletics, shooting, and badminton.

Day 2 saw the start of India’s medal chase when Avani Lekhara emerged victorious in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 competition. The Tokyo Paralympics 2020 gold and bronze medallist Avani gave an outstanding performance that highlighted her skill and determination.  With this victory, India’s medal count at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris began.

Day 3 saw more action in athletics, with several Indian athletes reaching the finals. Yogesh Kathuniya secured a silver medal in the Men’s Discus Throw F56 event, adding another feather to India’s cap. With a throw of 44.38 meters, Yogesh placed third, demonstrating his perseverance and consistency in the field.

By Day 4, Nitesh Kumar’s performance in the para-badminton added even more hope for India. In the Men’s Singles SL3 division, Nitesh won the gold medal, securing India’s place in the games. His triumph served as evidence of both his hard work and the rising popularity of para-badminton in India.

Day 5 continued the momentum with Preethi Pal making history as the first Indian woman track and field athlete to win two medals in a single Paralympics. Preethi demonstrated her adaptability and tenacity on the track by winning bronze medals in the women’s 100- and 200-meter T35 classifications.

India’s Medal Tally So Far: The Achievers

India has won a total of 9 medals at the Paris Paralympics 2024. Here’s a closer look at the athletes who have brought pride to the nation:

1.Nitesh Kumar – Gold in Para-Badminton (Men’s Singles SL3):
Nitesh Kumar’s victory in the Men’s Singles SL3 event marked a significant achievement for India. His exceptional skill and tactical acumen on the court led to a dominant win, earning India its second gold medal of the tournament.

2. Avani Lekhara – Gold in Shooting (Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1):
Avani, the Paralympic champion from Tokyo 2020, continued her golden streak by winning the top spot in Paris. Her precise and composed performance demonstrated her prowess in the sport, solidifying her status as one of India’s top para-shooters.

3. Yogesh Kathuniya – Silver in Athletics (Men’s Discus Throw F56):
Yogesh Kathuniya clinched a silver medal in the Men’s Discus Throw F56 event with a throw of 44.38 meters. His dedication and consistency have kept him among the world’s best in his category.

4. Nishad Kumar – Silver in Athletics (Men’s High Jump T47):
Nishad Kumar won silver in the Men’s High Jump T47, clearing 2.04 meters. His performance was outstanding, cementing his place as a leading figure in para-athletics.

5. Manish Narwal – Silver in Shooting (Men’s 10m Air Pistol SH1):
Manish Narwal, known for his precision and focus, won a silver medal in the Men’s 10m Air Pistol SH1. His performance in this high-pressure event added another silver to India’s medal tally.

6. Preethi Pal – Bronze in Athletics (Women’s 100m T35 and 200m T35):
Preethi Pal became the first Indian woman track and field athlete to win two medals in a single Paralympics, earning bronze in both the Women’s 100m T35 and 200m T35 events. Her achievements are a testament to her speed, endurance, and determination.

7. Mona Agarwal – Bronze in Shooting (Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1):
Mona Agarwal added to India’s shooting success with a bronze in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event. Her calm demeanor and steady aim were key to her podium finish.

8. Rubina Francis – Bronze in Shooting (Women’s 10m Air Pistol SH1):
Rubina Francis continued the winning streak in shooting, securing a bronze in the Women’s 10m Air Pistol SH1. Her performance underscored the depth of talent in India’s para-shooting team.

9. Mariyappan Thangavelu – Bronze in Athletics (Men’s High Jump T63):
Mariyappan Thangavelu, a decorated high jumper, won a bronze medal in the Men’s High Jump T63 category. He cleared a height of 1.83 meters, displaying exceptional skill and athleticism. Mariyappan, who won gold in the Rio 2016 Paralympics and silver in Tokyo 2020, has once again proven his mettle on the global stage.

Potential Medal Contenders in the Coming Days

India’s medal tally is expected to increase in the coming days, with several athletes poised to compete in their respective finals:

  1. Sumit Antil – The reigning Paralympic champion in the Men’s Javelin Throw F64 category, Sumit is a strong contender for another gold medal. His previous performances and world record throws make him a favorite in this event.
  2. Praveen Kumar – Competing in the Men’s High Jump T64 event, Praveen Kumar has shown immense potential and could secure a podium finish based on his current form and recent results.
  3. Bhavina Patel – After winning silver at the Tokyo Paralympics, Bhavina Patel is expected to excel in Table Tennis (Women’s Singles Class 4) again. She has demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience, making her a strong contender.
  4. Devendra Jhajharia – A veteran in the Paralympic Games and a multiple medalist in the Men’s Javelin Throw F46 category, Devendra Jhajharia remains hopeful for adding another medal to his illustrious career.

India’s Growth in Para-Sports: A Promising Future

India’s 2024 Paralympic performance in Paris is reflective of the sport’s extraordinary rise across the nation. These athletes’ accomplishments are a result of their perseverance, hard work, and the assistance of numerous groups and stakeholders in the Indian sports industry.

As we look forward to the next days of the Paralympics, the country can hope for more medals and celebrate the spirit of these competitors who have overcome countless obstacles to achieve their peak of accomplishment.

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