India Celebrates Record-Breaking Paralympics Success: 21 Medals and Counting!
India has achieved a historic milestone at the Paralympics, a global multi-sport event for athletes with physical, mental, and sensorial disabilities. Surpassing its previous best, India’s track and field athletes delivered an outstanding performance. India clinched its highest-ever medal tally, reaching 21 podium finishes—3 gold, 8 silver, and 10 bronze—surpassing the previous record of 19 medals set at the Tokyo Paralympics three years ago. This achievement highlights the exceptional talent of our para-athletes and underscores India’s growing strength in para-sports on the world stage.
A Glorious Day for Track and Field
In a gripping finale, India’s track and field athletes showcased their dominance at the iconic Stade de France, adding five more medals to the tally: two silver and three bronze. This awe-inspiring display of talent not only helped India end day six of the Games in 17th place overall but also left the world in awe of Indian para-sports.
Debut Success and Record-Setting Performances
Sachin Khilari, at 34, made a spectacular Paralympic debut by winning silver in the men’s shot put F46 with a throw of 16.32 meters. This achievement significantly contributed to India’s medal haul in Paris 2024.
India’s javelin throwers continued their exceptional form, with Ajeet Singh and world record holder Sundar Singh Gurjar capturing silver and bronze in the F46 category, with 65.62 meters and 64.96 meters, respectively.
High jumpers Sharad Kumar and Tokyo Paralympics gold medalist Mariyappan Thangavelu also shone brightly, earning silver and bronze in the T63 finals with jumps of 1.88 meters and 1.85 meters. The T63 category is for athletes with significant movement issues in one leg or above the knee.
A Star on the Rise
Deepthi Jeevanji, a world champion sprinter, secured another bronze for India in the women’s 400m (T20) event. At just 20 years old, Jeevanji clocked 55.82 seconds in her debut Games appearance, finishing behind Yuliia Shuliar of Ukraine and world record holder Aysel Onder of Turkey.
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Jeevanji’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Hailing from a humble background in Kalleda Village, Telangana, she was diagnosed with intellectual impairment as a child. Despite the odds, she has emerged as a beacon of hope, winning gold at the Asian Para Games and setting world records. Her inspiring story is a tribute to her unwavering spirit and the invaluable support of her coaches, including the renowned Pullela Gopichand and her formative coach, Nagpuri Ramesh.
This unprecedented achievement underscores India’s growing strength in para-sports and celebrates its athletes’ incredible perseverance and talent. The country is beaming with pride as its athletes continue to break barriers and set new records on the world stage.