“India’s Largest-Ever Paralympic Contingent: Hopes and Expectations for Paris 2024”

India at the 2024 Summer Paralympics

Participation in the Paralympic Games in Paris, France

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Event Dates – 28 August to 8 September 2024

Location -Paris, France

Competitor Count  – 36 athletes in 7 sports

India’s Largest-Ever Paralympic Contingent: Hopes and Expectations for Paris 2024

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games are set to witness India’s largest-ever contingent, with 84 athletes competing across 12 sports. This historic participation marks a significant milestone in India’s Paralympic journey, reflecting the country’s growing commitment to para sports. Here’s a detailed look at India’s hopes and expectations for the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

Contingent Details

1. Record Participation:
   • India is sending its largest-ever contingent to the Paralympics, with 84 athletes participating in 12 sports. This includes debutants in para cycling, para judo, and para rowing.
2. Flag Bearers:
   • Sumit Antil and Bhagyashri Jadhav will serve as India’s flag bearers during the opening ceremony, highlighting their prominence in Indian para sports.

Key Athletes and Events

1. Defending Champions:
   • Notable athletes like Sumit Antil, Avani Lekhara, Manish Narwal, and Krishna Nagar will defend their titles and aim for gold once again. These athletes have been instrumental in India’s previous Paralympic successes.
2. Para Badminton:
   • The para badminton events will see Krishna Nagar starting his men’s singles title defense. Other key athletes include Manish Narwal and Avani Lekhara, who will compete in para shooting.
3. Para Athletics:
   • The athletics events will feature 38 Indian athletes, including Sumit Antil, who won gold in the F64 category at Tokyo 2020. Other notable athletes include Sandeep, Ajeet Singh, and Yogesh Kathuniya.
4. Para Archery:
   • Harvinder Singh, who secured bronze in the men’s individual recurve open archery at Tokyo 2020, will compete again. Other archers include Rakesh Kumar, Shyam Sundar Swami, Pooja, Sarita, and Sheetal Devi.
5. Para Powerlifting:
   • India aims to secure its first podium in para powerlifting since Athens 2004. Athletes like Paramjeet Kumar, Ashok, Sakina Khatun, and Kasthuri Rajamani will compete in this discipline.

Schedule and Events

1. Opening Ceremony:
   • The Paralympic Games will officially begin on August 28, 2024, with the opening ceremony in Paris.
2. Day-Wise Schedule:
   • The games will run from August 28 to September 9, 2024. Here is a brief overview of the key events:
     • August 29: Para archery, para cycling, para taekwondo, para swimming, and para table tennis events will see Indian athletes in action.
     • August 30: Para athletics events will kick off, featuring javelin thrower Sumit Antil and other notable athletes.
     • September 4: Para powerlifting events will begin, with Parmjeet Kumar, Ashok, Sakina Khatun, and Kasthuri Rajamani competing.
     • September 6: The para canoe team will make their debut in the games.

Hopes and Expectations

1. Medal Prospects:
   • India aims to surpass its previous best medal tally from Tokyo 2020, where the country won 19 medals (5 gold, 8 silver, and 6 bronze).
2. Global Recognition:
   • The participation of Indian athletes in new disciplines like para cycling, para judo, and para rowing is expected to enhance India’s global standing in para sports.
3. Inspiration and Legacy:
   • The success of Indian para athletes is not only about winning medals but also about inspiring a new generation of athletes with disabilities. Athletes like Bhavina Patel, who was India’s first Paralympics medallist in table tennis, continue to be role models.

Conclusion

India’s largest-ever Paralympic contingent is poised to make a significant impact at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. With a strong lineup of experienced athletes and newcomers, India’s hopes for a record medal haul are high. As the games unfold, the nation will be watching with great anticipation, celebrating the achievements of these remarkable athletes. This article provides a detailed look at India’s participation in the Paris 2024 Paralympics, highlighting the key athletes, events, and expectations for the games.