Introduction
The paralympics is considered as one of the greatest events in sports for physically challenged persons. Hundreds of athletes compete with buckets full of talent and determination. India is a country where it encourages sports participation, and is now growing in prominence in the sports field. The participation at paralympics has left a Historical mark this year at paris. This piece looks at the great performance by India at the 2024 Paralympics and tells stories of the medal-winning athletes and how these will bring in a change on the podium globally. From path breaking victories to personal triumphs, it has been a saga of spirit and resilience by India’s Paralympic heroes at the 2024 Paralympics.
Historical context
India’s presence at paralympics has been an evolution, from participation of one or two members in paralympics, in recent years it has increased to 50 members.The journey has been long, full of challenges, and rewarding at the same time. The 2024 Paralympics present a new chapter in this evolving chronicle of the commitment of the country to the cause of inclusive sports and the empowerment of athletes with disabilities.
Structure of paralympic games
The paralympic games host a different sports category having modifications in each, which suits different types of disabilities. Some of the paralympic games are:
- Wheelchair sports : Basketball, Rugby, Tennis.
- Athletes: Running, Throwing, Jumping.
- Swimming: Variety of different classes of disability.
- Cycling: road and track events.
- Winter Sports: Skiing, Snowboarding, Ice sledge Hockey.
Behind the scenes: Support and Preparation
Training and Preparation
The success of the Indian contingent in the 2024 Paralympics may be traced back to grueling training and preparation. Coaches and support staff were particularly busy refining techniques and perfecting competition strategies. Facilities for training have improved across the country so as to provide an enabling environment for excellence in performance.
Government and Organization Support
In this, the government of India, along with other sports bodies, has been very supportive of the athletes. Its contribution is from financial to infrastructure development, which has all together contributed to the success of the Paralympic team. Programs and policies put in place for adaptive sports create an enabling environment for athletes to prosper.
The Impact of the 2024 Paralympics on India
Boosting National Pride
Indian contingents at the Paralympics have created landmarks that have drawn an immense sense of national pride. Evidence to this is media coverage and public celebrations as a sign that India is admiring its children. Their success beamed the light not only on Paralympics but also on issues concerning inclusion and welfare of all the athletes with varied abilities.
Prospect of Indian Paralympic Athletes in the Future
The future of Indian Paralympians does look bright. This was expected to raise the bar quite high for the success of the 2024 Games and simultaneously created momentum to inspire generations to come. Sustaining or building upon this success will depend on future international events and continued support.
Gold medalists at Paralympics 2024
Avani lekhara
Avani lekhara was born in Rajasthan. Participated in Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, and won gold medal for women’s 10M Air Rifle Standing.she has also won Gold medal at paralympics 2024 for the event women’s 10M Air rifle Standing SH1.
Nitesh Kumar
Nitesh kumar was born on october 19, 1995.He has participated in various national and international competitions. He has won a gold medal at paralympics 2024 for the event Javelin Throw.
Sumit Antill
Sumit Antill was born on August 6, 1998 in Haryana, india. He has participated in various national competitions. He has won a gold medal for the event Javelin throw (a category for athletes with limb impairments) at paralympics 2024.
Not only gold, our Indians have been shining by winning silver medals and bronze medals at paralympics 2024.
Silver Medalists at Paralympics 2024
- Manish Narwal has won a silver medal for the shooting event ,men’s 10M Air pistol.
- Nishad kumar has won silver medal for the category of athletics and event men’s high jump T47.
- Yogesh Kathuniya has won silver medal in men’s discus throw.
- Thulasimathi Murugesan has won silver in Badminton women’s singles category.
- Suhas Yathiraj has also won a silver medal in Badminton men’s singles SL4.
- Sharad Kumar has won a silver medal in the Athletics category, in the event Men’s high jump.
- Ajeet Singh has won silver medal in the Athletics category in an event Javelins throw.
Bronze Medalists at Paralympics 2024
- Mona agarwal has won the bronze medal for shooting game women’s 10M air rifle.
- Preethi Pal has won Bronze medal in Athletics category for 200M Race.
- Manisha Ramdas has won a Bronze medal in Badminton women’s singles.
- Rakesh kumar and Sheetal together have won Bronze medals for Archery mixed team compound open.
- Nitya Sresivan has won a bronze medal in Badminton sport women’s singles.
- Deepthi Jeevanji has won Bronze medal in Athletics for 400 Race.
- Mariyappan Thangavelu has won a Bronze medal in the Athletics category in Men’s high jump.
- Sundar singh Gurjar has won Bronze medal in Athletics category for men’s javelin throw.
Conclusion
The performance of India at Paralympics 2024 has been nothing but phenomenal. Every single one of our athletes is a story of determination, skill, and courage; these stories resonate very well with the spirit of the Paralympic Games. Every single one of these victories is something to be celebrated while we await further growth and success that Indian athletes will bring on the global stage. Their successes continue to inspire us about the unlimited possibilities of the individual human being and how it is through sports that barriers are crossed and the world shares in one common pursuit.
