Paralympics 2024: India's Team, Event Schedule, and How to Watch Live

India at Paris 2024 Paralympic Games: Largest Contingent Ever and New Hopes for Medals

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the world’s premier sporting event for differently-abled athletes, is set to begin in the City of Love from August 28 to September 8. This 17th edition of the Games will bring together athletes from around the globe, all vying for glory in a variety of sports. For India, the Paris Paralympics is a historic moment, as the country is sending its largest-ever contingent of athletes to compete, reflecting the nation’s growing prowess and commitment to para-sports.

India’s Record-Breaking Contingent

India is sending a team of 84 athletes to Paris, marking its biggest participation in the history of the Paralympic Games. This contingent includes 38 female and 46 male athletes who will compete across 12 different sports. This is a significant increase from the 54 athletes India sent to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, which included 14 female and 40 male athletes. In Tokyo, India achieved its best-ever performance, winning a total of 19 medals — 5 gold, 8 silver, and 6 bronze. The strong showing in Tokyo has set high expectations for the Indian athletes heading to Paris, with a target of at least 25 medals.

New Sports and Wider Representation

In a bid to expand its participation, India will be competing in three new sports at the Paris Paralympics: para-cycling, para-rowing, and blind judo. These additions bring India’s total number of sports to 12, demonstrating the nation’s growing commitment to supporting a diverse range of para-athletes. Para-cycling and para-rowing will see their debut by Indian athletes, while blind judo returns to the Paralympic stage after a hiatus, giving Indian judokas a chance to showcase their talent on a global platform.

High Hopes and Promising Athletes

The Indian contingent will feature some of the country’s most accomplished para-athletes, who have already made their mark in previous editions of the Paralympic Games. Leading the charge is Sumit Antil, the reigning champion in the men’s F64 javelin throw. Sumit holds the world record with a stunning throw of 73.29 meters, set at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. He will be the only Indian athlete in Paris defending a gold medal, and his presence adds a considerable weight of expectation for India’s medal tally.

Avani Lekhara, another star of the Tokyo Paralympics, is also set to compete in Paris. Avani made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic gold medal in shooting. She secured gold in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event and will be looking to replicate or even surpass her performance in Paris. Avani’s journey has been inspirational, and she has emerged as a symbol of resilience and determination for aspiring athletes in India.

Bhavina Patel, India’s first Paralympic medallist in table tennis, will also be one to watch. Bhavina created history in Tokyo by winning a silver medal in the women’s singles event, becoming the first Indian to win a Paralympic table tennis medal. In Paris, she will compete in both singles and doubles events, aiming to build on her previous success.

Expanding Opportunities and Aspirations

The president of the Paralympic Committee of India, Devendra Jhajharia, has expressed confidence in India’s prospects at the Paris Games. Jhajharia, himself a decorated Paralympian, emphasized the strides that India has made in recent years in para-sports. “We hope to win at least 25 medals in Paris,” he stated, reflecting the growing belief in the potential of Indian athletes to perform on the world stage.

India’s increasing participation in new sports is also an indicator of the expanding opportunities for differently-abled athletes in the country. With more exposure, better training facilities, and growing support from the government and private sector, the future looks promising for Indian para-athletes. The inclusion of new sports like para-cycling, para-rowing, and blind judo shows that India is not just aiming for more medals but also seeking to develop a broader base for para-sports talent.

How to Follow the Action

Fans can watch the Indian team compete at the Paris 2024 Paralympics through various live-streaming platforms and television channels that will broadcast the events. With India sending its largest-ever contingent, there is considerable excitement and anticipation about the athletes’ performances and the potential to surpass the previous medal count from Tokyo 2020.

Conclusion

As the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games approach, India is gearing up to make a significant impact. With its largest contingent ever, the introduction of new sports, and high hopes pinned on some of its finest para-athletes, the country is set to make a strong statement on the global stage. All eyes will be on Paris as India aims for its best-ever performance in Paralympic history.