Aug 30, 2024
By: Prerna Tyagi
Credit: BCCL
India's para-athletes made history three years ago at the Tokyo Paralympics, winning a record 19 medals, including five gold. This year, the nation is aiming even higher, sending its largest-ever contingent of 84 athletes to compete in 12 sports. Here’s a look at some of the standout stars set to make India proud in Paris.
A rifle shooter from Rajasthan, she captured the world's attention by winning gold in the 10m air rifle standing and a bronze in the 50m rifle 3 positions at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. She’s currently ranked world No. 1 in Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1.
Credit: BCCL
Sumit Antil won gold in the men’s javelin throw F64 category at both the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships. Holding the world record of 73.29 metres set at the 2022 Asian Para Games, Sumit is one of India’s brightest Olympic prospects this year.
Credit: BCCL
Bhagyashri Jadhav, who clinched silver in women’s shot put F34 at the Para Asian Games, proudly carried India’s flag at the Paris Paralympics opening ceremony. Her eyes are set on the gold this year.
Credit: X @J_bhagyashri
Despite being born without upper limbs, this 16-year-old para-archery sensation has defied all odds. In just 11 months after taking up archery, she was medalling at the Para Asiad. Her meteoric rise was even recognised with the prestigious Arjuna Award!
Credit: IG @sheetal_archery
Already a medal winner in the men’s high jump T63 category, Mariyappan is now poised to reach even greater heights in Paris.
Credit: BCCL
An engineer by profession, Sukant competes in the SL4 badminton category. He’s already a bronze medalist multiple times over at the World Championships, and now he’s aiming for Paralympic glory in his Paralympics debut.
Credit: IG @sukant9993
Balancing his role as an IAS officer with his passion for badminton, Suhas made history by winning the silver medal in the SL-4 category at the Tokyo Paralympics. He is currently the World No. 1 in the same category.
Credit: IG @suhas_ly