Paris Paralympics | India’s medal milestone in progress: What’s next after Tokyo?

A tremendous amount of anticipation surrounds the 84-member squad as they prepare to depart for the Paris Paralympics this weekend, marking the largest delegation in the history of India's Paralympic participation. Scheduled to take place from August 28 to September 8, this edition of the Games will be hosted at the same iconic venues that were used for the recently concluded Olympics, promising a continuation of the excitement and prestige associated with the Olympic legacy.

India's remarkable performance at the Tokyo Paralympics three years ago set a new benchmark, with the country achieving its highest-ever medal tally of 19, comprising five gold, eight silver, and six bronze. This historic success has significantly raised expectations for the upcoming Games in Paris, with the Indian contingent now viewed as one of the leading competitors.

The standout performances of athletes such as Sumit Antil and Avani Lekhara have particularly heightened national pride and anticipation. Antil, the reigning champion in the men's javelin throw, and Lekhara, who made history as the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the Paralympics, have become celebrated figures in Indian sports.

At an official send-off ceremony hosted by the Union Ministry of Sports & Youth Affairs in New Delhi on Friday, Antil and Bhagyashri Jadhav were announced as India's flag bearers for the opening ceremony in Paris. Antil, a champion in the F64 javelin throw category, is entering the Games in formidable form, having set a world record of 70.83 meters at the Para Athletics World Championships in May. His impressive track record and recent achievements underscore his status as a key medal contender.

Jadhav, a notable shot put athlete, has also garnered attention as a significant medal prospect. She won a silver medal in the shot put F34 category at the 2022 Asian Para Games and finished seventh in her event at Tokyo. Jadhav's recent performance, securing a silver medal at the Para Athletics World Championships in May, positions her strongly for a potential medal in Paris.

India's performance at the Tokyo Paralympics far surpassed previous medal records, setting a new standard for the nation. The tally of 19 medals eclipsed India's prior bests of four medals each at the Stoke Mandeville Games in 1984 and the Rio 2016 Games. The Tokyo Paralympics saw shooting emerge as the foremost contributor, yielding five medals, followed by high jump and badminton, each contributing four medals to the total count.

As India gears up for the Paris Paralympics, Devendra Jhajharia, the country's most decorated Paralympian, has taken on the role of President of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI). Jhajharia, who earned a silver in the men's javelin throw F46 class at Tokyo and boasts two Paralympic gold medals from Athens 2004 and Rio 2016, expressed an optimistic outlook for the upcoming Games. In a recent interview, Jhajharia conveyed his confidence in the Indian team's performance, stating, "We are very confident about the overall performance and are sure to win more than 25 medals." His statement reflects a strong belief in the team's potential to exceed previous achievements and set new records.

The Paris Paralympics promise to be a landmark event, not only for the Indian contingent but also for the global Paralympic community. With a record number of athletes and heightened expectations, the Games are poised to showcase the incredible talent and determination of para-athletes from around the world. India's largest-ever delegation brings a mix of seasoned champions and emerging talents, all of whom are ready to compete at the highest level.

As the Indian team embarks on this prestigious journey, the nation's hopes are pinned on their performances, with the expectation that they will continue to build on their legacy of excellence. The Paris Paralympics will not only be a platform for athletes to demonstrate their skills but also an opportunity to inspire and elevate the profile of Paralympic sports on the global stage. With the support of dedicated athletes, coaches, and officials, the Indian contingent is set to make a significant impact and contribute to the ongoing evolution of the Paralympic movement.

Indian medalists at Tokyo Paralympics

Bhavina Patel - silver (women's singles table tennis Class 4 category)
Nishad Kumar - silver (men's high jump T47)
Avani Lekhara - gold (women's 10m air rifle shooting standing SH1)
Devendra Jhajharia - silver (men's javelin throw F46)
Sundar Singh Gurjar - bronze (men's javelin throw F46)
Yogesh Kathuniya - silver (men's discus throw F56)
Sumit Antil - gold (men's javelin throw F64)
Singhraj Adhana - bronze (men's 10m air pistol shooting SH1)
Mariyappan Thangavelu - silver ( men's high jump T42)
Sharad Kumar - bronze (men's high jump T42)
Praveen Kumar - silver (men's high jump T64)
Avani Lekhara - bronze (women's 50m rifle 3 positions shooting SH1)
Harvinder Singh - bronze (men's individual recurve - open archery)
Manish Narwal - gold (men's 50m pistol SH1)
Singhraj Adhana - silver (men's 50m pistol SH1)
Parmod Bhagat - gold (men's singles badminton SL3)
Manoj Sarkar - bronze (men's singles badminton SL3)
Suhas Yathiraj - silver (men's singles badminton SL4)
Krishna Nagar - gold (men's singles badminton SH6)