India Largest Paralympic Contingent Gears Up for Historic Performance at Paris 2024

India is set to make a strong statement at the upcoming 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, with its largest-ever contingent of 84 para-athletes, including 32 women, ready to compete across 12 sports. The nation’s para-athletes have consistently raised the bar with their exceptional performances on the global stage, and expectations are high for another outstanding showing in Paris.

The Indian contingent will debut in three new sports at the Paris Paralympics: para-cycling, para-rowing, and blind judo, expanding its participation to a total of 12 sports. This edition of the Games promises to be a celebration of grit, determination, and excellence in sports, with India aiming to build on its impressive medal tally from recent editions.

Top Indian Athletes to Watch at the Paris 2024 Paralympics

Sumit Antil:
Sumit Antil, the champion in men’s F64 javelin throw, holds the world record with a remarkable throw of 73.29 metres. He will be the only Indian athlete defending his gold medal from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

Avani Lekhara:
Avani Lekhara, the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic gold medal in shooting, will compete in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event. She made history at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics by winning gold in the event and bronze in the 50m rifle 3 positions.

Bhavina Patel:
Bhavina Patel, India’s first Paralympic medallist in table tennis, will participate in both women’s singles and doubles events. She secured a silver medal in the Class 4 table tennis event at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

Krishna Nagar:
Krishna Nagar, the gold medalist in men’s singles badminton SH6 at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, is another athlete to watch out for. He received the Khel Ratna Award in 2021, the highest sporting honor bestowed by the Indian Government.

Suhas Yathiraj:
Suhas Yathiraj, an Arjuna awardee and the current world No. 1 in men’s singles para badminton, is expected to excel in the event at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. He secured a silver medal in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and became the first Indian bureaucrat to win a Paralympic medal and an Arjuna Award.

India’s Journey in the Paralympics

India’s participation in the Paralympics began in 1968, and since then, the country has made steady progress in the world of para-sports. Over the years, Indian para-athletes have excelled in various disciplines, from athletics to powerlifting and beyond. As of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, India has secured a total of 19 medals, including 5 gold, 8 silver, and 6 bronze, ranking 24th out of 78 countries that won at least 1 medal. The nation’s para-athletes have consistently raised the bar with their exceptional performances, and expectations are high for another outstanding showing in Paris.

Full List of Indian Athletes at the 2024 Paris Paralympics

Full Schedule for India at the 2024 Paris Paralympics

As India gears up for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, the nation’s para-athletes are poised to make history with their exceptional performances. With a strong contingent of 84 athletes, including several medal hopefuls, India is set to showcase its growing prowess in para-sports on the global stage.