With seven gold medals, the nation has left an indelible mark through record-breaking achievements and exceptional skill.
India’s athletes delivered an extraordinary performance at the Paris Paralympics 2024, demonstrating unparalleled resilience, dedication, and talent. With seven gold medals, the nation has left an indelible mark through record-breaking achievements and exceptional skill. Each gold medalist has not only showcased their remarkable abilities but also their unwavering determination. Join us as we explore the inspiring journeys of these champions who have brought immense pride to India and redefined the limits of excellence in the Paralympic arena.
1. Sumit Antil – Javelin Throw (F64)
Sumit Antil once again proved his dominance in javelin throw by securing the gold medal in the F64 category. Building on his Tokyo Paralympics success, Sumit set a new world record with a stunning throw of 74.58 meters. His journey from a road accident that led to amputation to becoming a world champion is a testament to his unwavering spirit and dedication to the sport.
2. Avani Lekhara – Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1
Avani Lekhara continued her impressive form by clinching two golds in the 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event. Avani, who became an inspiration for many after her Tokyo 2020 success, displayed exceptional focus and skill to outshoot her competitors. Her journey, marked by resilience after a life-changing accident, has made her a symbol of perseverance in Indian sports.
3. Praveen Kumar – High Jump (T64)
Praveen Kumar soared to new heights in the T64 high jump event, capturing gold with a personal best of 2.10 meters. His performance not only earned him the top spot but also set a new Asian record. Praveen’s rise in the sport has been nothing short of extraordinary, as he continues to push the boundaries despite the challenges posed by his limb deficiency.
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4. Navdeep Singh – Men’s Javelin Throw (F41)
After a thrilling men’s javelin throw F41 final on Saturday at the Paris Paralympics, Iran’s Beit Sayah Sadegh was disqualified, upgrading India’s Navdeep Singh’s silver medal to gold. India has won a gold medal in the men’s F41 javelin event with a new Paralympic record of 47.32m for the first time ever.
5. Dharambir – Men’s Club Throw (F51)
Dharambir set a new Asian record of 34.92m. Later, Praveen Kumar also logged an Asian record to win the high jump T64 title and fetched India’s sixth gold, their highest ever at the Paralympics.
6. Harvinder Singh – Men’s individual recurve open
Harvinder Singh showcased exceptional composure and precision, making history as India’s first-ever Paralympic gold medalist in archery. His journey to gold was marked by a series of stunning performances, saving his best for the final round against 44-year-old Polish archer Lukasz Ciszek. In a dominant display, Harvinder scored three perfect 10s in his last four arrows, winning with a decisive 6-0 scoreline (28-24, 28-27, 29-25). His victory not only marked a significant personal achievement but also added India’s second medal in archery at the ongoing Paralympics, solidifying his place as a trailblazer in Indian para-sports.
7. Nitesh Kumar – Men’s singles SL3
Indian para-shuttler Nitesh Kumar made history at the Paris 2024 Paralympics by winning the gold medal in the Men’s Singles SL3 category, designated for athletes with lower limb impairments and poor balance. At 29, Nitesh became the third Indian to achieve this milestone. His flawless performance throughout the tournament, remaining unbeaten in all matches, was highlighted by a dramatic final where he defeated Great Britain’s Daniel Bethell with scores of 21-14, 18-21, 23-21. This victory, following shooter Avani Lekhara’s earlier gold, secured India’s second gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games.
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