India’s participation in the Paralympic Games has evolved significantly over the years, with each edition bringing new milestones. The 2024 Paris Paralympics are no exception, with India sending its largest-ever contingent to the Games. This article provides a detailed overview of India’s journey at the Paralympics, including the athletes, schedules, medal hopes, and key events to watch.
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India’s Paralympics Journey: A Quick Recap
India made its Paralympic debut in 1968 and has steadily grown in prominence. The Tokyo 2020 Paralympics were a landmark event for the country, as Indian athletes secured 19 medals—5 gold, 8 silver, and 6 bronze—across various disciplines. This success has set high expectations for the 2024 Games in Paris, where India is aiming for an even bigger medal haul(Stock Market News, India Today).
Tokyo Paralympics Success
- Total Medals: 19 (5 Gold, 8 Silver, 6 Bronze)
- Top Performers:
- Sumit Antil (Gold in Javelin Throw F64)
- Avani Lekhara (Gold in Shooting SH1)
- Bhavina Patel (Silver in Table Tennis)
India’s 2024 Contingent: Largest Ever
The 2024 Paris Paralympics will witness the largest Indian contingent in history, with 84 athletes competing across 12 sports. This is a significant increase from the 54 athletes who represented India in Tokyo. The delegation includes veterans like Sumit Antil and Avani Lekhara, alongside newcomers in sports such as para-cycling and blind judo(Stock Market News, India Today).
Key Sports for India in 2024
- Para Athletics: India’s strongest suit with stars like Sumit Antil, Mariyappan Thangavelu (High Jump T63), and Bhagyashri Jadhav (Shot Put F34) leading the charge.
- Para Shooting: Avani Lekhara and Manish Narwal will be crucial in India’s quest for medals.
- Para Badminton: Suhas Yathiraj and Krishna Nagar, among others, aim to dominate the courts.
- New Entrants: India will compete in new sports like para-cycling and blind judo, marking an expansion in the country’s Paralympic footprint(Stock Market News).
Paris 2024 Schedule and Key Dates for India
The Paralympics in Paris will take place from August 28 to September 8, 2024. Indian athletes will be competing almost every day, with critical events lined up throughout the Games.
Highlighted Events
- August 29, 2024: Para Archery – India’s campaign begins with archers like Harvinder Singh and Pooja aiming for podium finishes.
- August 31, 2024: Para Athletics – Sumit Antil will defend his title in Javelin Throw F64, and Mariyappan Thangavelu will compete in High Jump T63.
- September 3, 2024: Para Shooting – All eyes will be on Avani Lekhara as she competes in multiple rifle events(Stock Market News, Khel Now).
Detailed Schedule
Here’s a snapshot of some of the events to watch:
- Para Badminton (August 29 – September 7): Several Indian players, including Krishna Nagar and Palak Kohli, will compete across singles and doubles events.
- Para Swimming (August 30): Suyash Jadhav will be a key competitor in the men’s 200m individual medley.
- Para Table Tennis (September 1): Bhavina Patel, India’s first Paralympic medallist in table tennis, will be a contender in both singles and doubles events(India Today, Khel Now).
India’s Medal Prospects at Paris 2024
India’s Paralympic Committee has set an ambitious target of at least 25 medals at the 2024 Games. This goal is grounded in the country’s strong showing at recent international events, including the 2022 Asian Para Games, where Indian athletes secured 111 medals, and the 2024 World Championships, where six golds were won.
Athletes to Watch
- Sumit Antil: The reigning Paralympic champion and world record holder in the men’s F64 javelin throw is expected to retain his title.
- Avani Lekhara: India’s shooting star will compete in multiple events, aiming to add to her gold and bronze medals from Tokyo.
- Bhavina Patel: After making history in Tokyo, Bhavina is one of India’s best bets in para table tennis.
New Medal Hopes
- Para Rowing: Anita and K. Narayana, competing in the PR3 Mix Double Sculls, are potential medalists in this relatively new sport for India.
- Blind Judo: With athletes like Kapil Parmar and Kokila competing, India hopes to make an impact in this sport(Stock Market News, India Today).
Viewing and Following the Games
Indian fans can catch all the action live on Sports 18 Networks. Additionally, JioCinema will provide live streaming of all events, ensuring that viewers don’t miss any of the thrilling moments from Paris(Stock Market News).
Social Media and Updates
For real-time updates, scores, and results, the official Paralympic websites and social media channels will be the go-to platforms. Additionally, the Paralympic Committee of India’s official handles will provide exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes coverage.
Conclusion
The 2024 Paris Paralympics promise to be a historic event for India, with the country poised to achieve its best-ever medal haul. With a strong contingent, new sports, and seasoned champions, the future looks bright for Indian para-athletes. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exhilarating display of talent, determination, and national pride on the global stage.
India’s journey at the Paralympics is not just about winning medals; it’s about inspiring a nation and breaking barriers in the world of sports. As the Games unfold, all eyes will be on Team India as they strive to make history in Paris.
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