The excitement around the 2024 Paris Olympics was palpable as Indian athletes showcased remarkable performances but faced tough competition. Despite their best efforts, India managed to secure only 1 silver and 5 bronze medals, leaving the aspirational gold medal elusive. However, the hopes of capturing gold are still alive, especially with the upcoming Paralympics. Set to officially begin after the opening ceremony on August 28, the event promises a vibrant display of athletic prowess with participation from approximately 4,400 athletes representing 207 countries, all vying for one of the 549 gold medals available. Let’s delve into the history and significance of the Paralympic Games before exploring how India can make its mark in Paris.
Understanding the Paralympics: A Brief History
The Paralympic Games are designed for athletes with disabilities and first commenced in 1960 during the Rome Games. The origins of the Paralympics are deeply intertwined with the aftermath of World War II, which saw many soldiers returning home with severe spinal injuries and disabilities. Sir Ludwig Guttmann, a British neurologist, recognized the therapeutic potential of sports for rehabilitation. In 1948, during the London Olympics, he organized a competitive sports event for these veterans, which ultimately laid the groundwork for the first official Paralympic Games in Rome, featuring 400 wheelchair athletes from 23 nations competing in 57 events.
India’s Participation in the Paralympics
Although the Paralympics began in 1960, India made its debut in 1968. The previous Tokyo Paralympics in 2020 marked a historic participation with 54 Indian athletes. This year, the Indian delegation for the Paris Paralympics comprises 84 athletes competing in 12 sports, representing the largest contingent in the nation’s history at the event. The athletes’ exceptional performances in Tokyo led to an impressive haul of 19 medals—5 gold, 8 silver, and 6 bronze—signifying a significant leap in India’s abilities on the global stage.
Key Sports and Medals Won in Tokyo
Indian athletes displayed phenomenal skills particularly in shooting, badminton, and athletics. The shooting contingent claimed 5 medals, the athletics team added 8 more, and badminton contributed 4 medals to the total. Several of these medalists are set to compete in the Paris Paralympics, reinforcing India’s hopes for gold despite the earlier Olympic challenges.
Star Athletes to Watch
This year’s event will feature some astonishing talent. Among them is Avani Lekhara, who won gold in the 10m Air Rifle SH1 event and followed it with a bronze in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions. Additionally, Sumit Antil captured gold in the F64 Javelin Throw and remains a two-time world champion and one-time Asian champion, holding a world record with a throw of 73.29 meters.
Other prominent athletes include Bhavinaben Patel in table tennis, Harvinder Singh in archery, and Mariyappan Thangavelu in high jump, all of whom are primed to potentially deliver standout performances again. Besides these experienced athletes, the team will also welcome 34 newcomers, offering fresh hope and talent as per the predictions of the Paralympics president, Devendra Jhajharia, who expresses optimism for securing up to 25 medals.
How to Watch the Paralympics Live
Indian fans can catch all the action of the Paris Paralympics 2024 on television channels like DD Sports and Sports18. Furthermore, live streaming options will be available on platforms such as Jio Cinema, ensuring that supporters can follow their favorite athletes and celebrate their achievements from home.
