India’s very poor performance in Paris Olympic 2024 which is overshadowed by Paris Para Olympic. The Indian won 29 medals,the best performance ever by Indian In Para Olympic India achieved —7 gold, 9 silver, and 13 bronze. This achievement marks a new pinnacle in India’s Paralympic history, showcasing the nation’s growing prominence on the world stage. The Paris Paralympics have not only underscored India’s remarkable rise in para-sports but have also highlighted the broader evolution of the Paralympic movement itself.
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Origins of the Paralympics
The origins of the Paralympics trace back to July 29, 1948, when Dr. Ludwig Guttmann organized the Stoke Mandeville Games—a groundbreaking event for wheelchair athletes. This modest competition, featuring just 16 injured servicemen and women in archery, set the stage for what would eventually become the Paralympic Games, creating a platform for athletes with disabilities to showcase their abilities on a global scale.
From these humble beginnings, the Paralympic movement evolved, with the first official Games held in Rome in 1960, featuring 400 athletes from 23 countries. Since then, both the Summer and Winter Paralympics have grown significantly, held every four years in the same cities as the Olympics, thanks to an agreement between the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which reflects the Games’ increasing prestige and global reach.
India’s Rise in Paralympics
While India’s Olympic success was once dominated by its hockey team, the Paralympics have seen individual athletes rise to prominence, achieving remarkable feats and bringing glory to the nation. The Paris 2024 Paralympics stand as a testament to India’s growth in this arena, highlighting the dedication, resilience, and extraordinary achievements of its para-athletes.
India’s Debut and Early Years at the Paralympics
India made its maiden appearance at the Paralympics in 1968 in Tel Aviv, Israel. A delegation of 10 athletes, consisting of eight men and two women, represented the country in this historic outing. Although India did not win any medals at the Games, it provided the first significant international exposure for the nation’s para-athletes, marking the beginning of India’s journey on the global Paralympic stage.
Four years later, at the 1972 Heidelberg Games in Germany, India achieved its first Paralympic success. Para-swimmer Murlikant Petkar made history by winning gold in the 50m freestyle swimming event, setting a world record time of 37.331 seconds. Despite this monumental achievement, Petkar’s gold remained India’s only medal at the Games, with the country finishing 24th in the overall medal standings out of 42 participating nations.
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, held from August 28 to September 8, 2024, were a grand celebration of global athletic prowess and inclusivity. Featuring 4,400 athletes from around the world competing in 22 sports, the Games were hosted across some of Paris’s most iconic venues, including the Eiffel Tower, the Château de Versailles, and the Grand Palais.
For India, the 2024 Paris Paralympics marked the nation’s most successful Games to date. India’s participation reached new heights, with a record 84 athletes competing in 12 sports. This impressive representation reflects the country’s growing support for para-sports and the impact of significant government initiatives, such as the Khelo India program and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). Under TOPS, India’s top athletes receive comprehensive support to prepare for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, with core group athletes receiving an Out-of-Pocket Allowance (OPA) of ₹50,000 per month, alongside full funding for their personalized training plans approved by the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC).
India’s Achievements at Paris 2024
India’s achievements at Paris 2024 underscored the progress made in the development and recognition of Paralympic sports within the country. The athletes’ outstanding performances highlighted India’s continued ascent in the Paralympic arena and set a new benchmark for future participation and success.
India’s para-athletes delivered their best-ever performance at the Paris Games, earning an incredible 29 medals—7 gold, 9 silver, and 13 bronze—securing an 18th-place finish in the overall medal tally. This achievement represents a watershed moment for Indian para-sports, showcasing the potential of Indian athletes on the global stage.
India’s medal haul at the 2024 Paris Paralympics was led by stellar performances from athletes across a range of disciplines. Avani Lekhara clinched gold in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1, while Nitesh Kumar dominated in badminton, winning gold in the Men’s Singles SL3. Sumit Antil and Dharambir added to the tally with golds in Men’s Javelin Throw F64 and Men’s Club Throw F51, respectively.
Archery saw Harvinder Singh secure gold in the Men’s Individual Recurve Open, while Navdeep Singh triumphed in the Men’s Javelin Throw F41. Suhas Yathiraj brought home silver in the Men’s Singles SL4 badminton event, and Nishad Kumar earned silver in Men’s High Jump T47. Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi took bronze in Archery’s Mixed Team Compound Open, rounding off India’s historic campaign. Many more athletes contributed to the nation’s impressive medal count, making it a truly collective achievement for Indian para-sports.
The 2024 Paris Paralympics will be remembered as a defining chapter in India’s sporting history, inspiring future generations of athletes and reaffirming the nation’s commitment to inclusive excellence in sports.
The 2024 Paris Paralympics stand as a monumental milestone in India’s Paralympic journey, marking not only the country’s most successful performance to date but also a testament to the resilience, talent, and dedication of its para-athletes. From the humble beginnings of India’s Paralympic debut in 1968 to the record-breaking achievements in Paris, this journey has been one of remarkable growth, determination, and triumph.
The support of government initiatives like Khelo India and TOPS has played a crucial role in empowering these athletes, enabling them to break barriers and redefine India’s place on the global stage. As India continues to champion inclusivity in sports, the 2024 Games will be remembered as a defining chapter—one that inspired millions and set a new standard of excellence for the nation’s future Paralympic endeavors.
News courtesy Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Saurabh Kalia
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