New Delhi [India], August 18 (ANI): India is all set to mark a significant milestone in its Paralympic journey, sending its largest-ever contingent of 84 athletes to compete in the Paris 2024 Paralympics, scheduled from August 28 to September 8. This marks a substantial increase from the 54 athletes who represented the country at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
The Indian contingent for Paris 2024 includes 32 women, nearly doubling the female representation from Tokyo 2020, where 14 women athletes competed. This growth in numbers reflects India’s expanding commitment to para-sports, with athletes ready to compete across 12 different sports, including three new additions: para-cycling, para-rowing, and blind judo.
New Sports on the Horizon
India’s entry into these new sports categories promises exciting opportunities. Arshad Shaik will represent India in the men’s C2 para-cycling events, while Jyoti Caderiya will compete in the women’s C2 events. In blind judo, Kapil Parmar will take part in the men’s 60kg J1 event, with Kokila competing in the women’s 48kg J2 category. The para-rowing event will feature Anita and K. Narayana, who will represent India in the PR3 mixed doubles sculls.
Returning Champions
Among the returning athletes are some of India’s brightest stars from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. Avani Lekhara, who made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic gold medal in the women’s R2 10m air rifle standing SH1 event, will once again aim for the top spot in Paris.
Joining her is Sumit Antil, the men’s F64 javelin thrower who clinched gold at Tokyo 2020. Antil, a two-time world champion, currently holds the world record with a 73.29m throw achieved at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou last year.
Other Notable Competitors
Bhavina Patel, who won India’s first Paralympic medal in table tennis at Tokyo 2020, will return to compete in the women’s singles event. She will also team up with Sonalben Patel for the women’s doubles competition in Paris. Archery will see Harvinder Singh, India’s first Paralympic medalist in the sport, compete in the men’s individual recurve open and the mixed team recurve open in the ST category.
India’s largest-ever Paralympic contingent is set to make waves at Paris 2024, building on the country’s historic success at Tokyo 2020, where Indian athletes secured 19 medals, including five golds. As the nation gears up for another thrilling Paralympic campaign, hopes are high for an even more successful outing in Paris.
