India’s Paralympic Dreams Soar with Largest Contingent in History

India is sending a record-breaking contingent of 84 para-athletes to the Paralympic Games, marking the largest representation in the country’s history. This diverse team, featuring a combination of youthful talent and experienced competitors, is set to compete in Paris starting August 28, 2024.

The Indian contingent aims to achieve an impressive medal tally, targeting over 25 medals, inclusive of a double-digit gold count. This ambitious goal is inspired by past successes, including a historic 19 medals, five of which were gold, during the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021.

Last year, Indian para-athletes excelled at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games, bringing home an unprecedented 111 medals, 29 of which were gold. This achievement was followed by remarkable performances at the World Para Athletics Championships in May, where India secured 17 medals and finished sixth overall.

Among the standout athletes are world record-holding javelin thrower Sumit Antil and rifle shooter Avani Lekhara, both of whom are defending their gold medals from Tokyo. The para-athletics team, with 38 participants, is anticipated to contribute significantly to India’s medal haul.

Other notable contenders include para-archer Sheetal Devi, who uses her legs for shooting, and landmine blast survivors Hokato Sema and Narayana Konganapalle, along with various athletes who have overcome significant physical challenges.

The Indian team is competing in 12 sports, an increase from the nine sports represented by the previous contingent in Tokyo. Athletes like Manish Narwal and Krishna Nagar are also placed to defend their gold medals.

Sumit Antil, who lost his leg in an accident, aims to surpass the 75m mark in the javelin throw, while Avani Lekhara hopes to continue her excellent form after achieving a gold and a bronze medal in Tokyo. She aims to join the elite group of Indian athletes with multiple Paralympic medals.

The current Paralympics Committee of India president, Devendra Jhajharia, holds the title of the most decorated Indian Paralympian, boasting two gold medals and a silver. Athletes such as Deepthi Jeevanji, Mariyappan Thangavelu, and Yogesh Kathuniya are all hopeful of enhancing their medal prospects in Paris.

Krishna Nagar, who has previously conquered his challenges related to height, and fellow athlete Suhas Yathiraj, who won a silver in Tokyo, are also aiming for podium finishes. In the archery category, both Sheetal Devi and Harvinder Singh are poised to contend for medals.

In table tennis, Bhavinaben Patel, who earned a silver in the Tokyo Games, will be competing in events where she hopes to improve upon her previous achievements. With all eyes on the opening ceremony, which will be held outside a stadium for the first time, the excitement for the Paralympic Games is palpable.