India’s Paralympic team achieved their most successful campaign ever at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, winning 29 medals, including 7 golds, 9 silvers, and 13 bronzes. India finished 18th in the overall medal standings, outperforming countries such as Switzerland, South Korea, and Belgium.
#SAIDailyWrap: #ParisParaympics2024, Day 1️⃣0️⃣👇🏻
What an incredible day for #TeamIndia🇮🇳 as #ParaAthletics star Navdeep clinched🥇and Simran Sharma grabbed her first #Paralympic medal, a #Bronze🥉.
Come together to #Cheer4Bharat🇮🇳 for one last time tomorrow and give your love… pic.twitter.com/t1TWhQHBat
— SAI Media (@Media_SAI) September 7, 2024
Navdeep Singh’s Javelin Gold Highlights India’s Success
India’s 29th and final medal came through Navdeep Singh, who clinched gold in the men’s javelin throw (F41). Originally earning a silver medal, Singh’s result was upgraded to gold after Iran’s Beit Sadegh was disqualified, making Navdeep’s win one of the key moments for India in the Games.
Shooter Avani Lekhara Defends Title, Thulasimathi Murugesan Makes History
Shooter Avani Lekhara continued her dominance by winning her second consecutive Paralympic gold in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1. Thulasimathi Murugesan became the first Indian woman to secure a para-badminton medal with her silver win in women’s singles SU5.
Track and Field Dominates with 17 Medals
India’s athletes shone in track and field, contributing 17 medals to the overall tally. Preethi Pal made history as the first Indian woman to win an athletics medal, with two bronze finishes in the 100m and 200m (T35) events. Meanwhile, Sumit Antil defended his men’s javelin throw F64 title, breaking the world record multiple times.
Rising Stars in Archery and Club Throw
India’s archery talent emerged strongly, with Harvinder Singh becoming the country’s first Paralympic gold medallist in archery. Sheetal Devi, just 17 years old, won bronze in the mixed team compound event, marking her as a promising future star. In the men’s club throw F51, Dharambir claimed gold, setting an Asian record with a throw of 34.92m.
A Bright Future for India’s Paralympic Movement
The outstanding performance of India’s Paralympians at the Paris 2024 Games is a testament to the country’s growing prominence in para-sports. With Los Angeles 2028 on the horizon, the momentum from Paris is expected to inspire a new generation of athletes and pave the way for even greater success.
