Gunning For Glory: India’s Historic Performance At The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

Last Updated:December 25, 2024, 11:48 IST

Let us relive a handful of the various triumphs and successes that the Indian contingent achieved in their historic outing at the 2024 Paris Paralympics earlier this year.

Gold Medallist at the Paris Paralympics, Avani Lekhara (Getty Images)

India’s participation in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games marked a watershed moment in the nation’s para-sports history. With an unprecedented medal tally and several groundbreaking achievements, the Games were a testament to the resilience, dedication, and talent of Indian para-athletes.

Competing across 12 sports disciplines, India’s contingent of 84 athletes brought home 29 medals: 7 gold, 9 silver, and 13 bronze. This marked India’s best-ever performance in the history of the Paralympic Games.

Let us relive a handful of the various triumphs and successes that the Indian contingent achieved in their historic outing at Paris earlier this year:

Avani Lekhara: Shooting Stardom

Avani Lekhara etched her name in history by winning India’s first gold medal at Paris 2024 in the women’s 10m air rifle SH1 event. Displaying remarkable precision and composure, Lekhara broke her own world record with a score of 251.3. This victory made her the first Indian woman to win consecutive Paralympic gold medals, following her success in Tokyo 2020.

Sumit Antil: Javelin Legend

Sumit Antil’s dominance in the men’s javelin throw F64 event continued unabated. He defended his title with a throw of 70.83 meters, setting two new Paralympic records in the process. Sumit’s performance solidified his reputation as one of the greatest javelin throwers in para-sports history.

Harvinder Singh: Archery Pioneer

Harvinder Singh delivered India’s first-ever Paralympic gold in archery by triumphing in the men’s recurve open event. His victory was particularly notable for the thrilling tiebreaker finale, where he defeated China’s Zhao Lixue. Harvinder’s journey, from practicing archery in rural Punjab to becoming a global champion, inspired millions.

Dharambir Nain: Club Throw Champion

In the men’s club throw F51 event, Dharambir Nain clinched gold with a remarkable throw of 35.22 meters, setting a new Asian record. His triumph highlighted India’s growing dominance in field events.

Praveen Kumar: High Jump Heroics

Praveen Kumar added to India’s gold medal haul with a stellar performance in the men’s high jump T64 event. Clearing a height of 2.12 meters, he set a new Paralympic record and secured India’s third athletics gold of the Games.

Navdeep Singh: Javelin Glory

Navdeep Singh, competing in the men’s javelin throw F41 event, initially secured silver but was later upgraded to gold after the disqualification of Iran’s Sadegh Sayah for a doping violation. Navdeep’s throw of 47.32 meters also set a new Paralympic record.

Manish Narwal: Shooting Excellence

Manish Narwal continued his impressive streak in para-shooting by clinching silver in the men’s 10m air pistol SH1 event. Having won gold in Tokyo 2020, Narwal’s consistency on the global stage is commendable.

Nishad Kumar: High Jump Consistency

Nishad Kumar repeated his silver-medal-winning feat from Tokyo 2020 in the men’s high jump T47 event. His leap of 2.08 meters showcased his exceptional athleticism and determination.

Suhas Yathiraj: Para-Badminton Brilliance

Suhas Yathiraj once again excelled in para-badminton, securing silver in the men’s singles SL4 category. A district magistrate by profession, Yathiraj’s dual role as an administrator and athlete continues to inspire.

Thulasimathi Murugesan: Women’s Badminton Star

Thulasimathi Murugesan made a significant mark by winning silver in the women’s singles SU5 para-badminton event. Her journey from overcoming societal challenges to standing on the Paralympic podium is a story of grit and determination.

Preeti Pal: Sprinting into History

Preeti Pal emerged as India’s first-ever track medalist in Paralympic athletics, securing bronze in both the women’s 100m and 200m T35 events. Her dual victories highlighted India’s growing capabilities in track events.

Sheetal Devi: Archery Prodigy

At just 17 years old, Sheetal Devi became the youngest Indian Paralympic medalist by winning bronze in the mixed compound archery event. Teaming up with Rakesh Kumar, Sheetal’s flawless bullseyes became a sensation on social media.

Breaking Barriers And Inspiring Future Generations

India’s performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games is a landmark achievement that underscores para-sports’ potential in the country. With a mix of experienced champions and promising young talent, India’s para-athletes have not only brought glory to the nation but also paved the way for a more inclusive sporting ecosystem.

The stellar performances of Indian para-athletes have inspired countless individuals with disabilities to pursue sports. By breaking stereotypes and challenging societal norms, these athletes have redefined what is possible. Their achievements in Paris have earned global acclaim, positioning the nation as a rising powerhouse in para-sports.

As India sets its sights on future Paralympic Games, the stories of perseverance and triumph from Paris 2024 will continue to inspire generations to come.