India achieved a remarkable feat at the Paris Paralympics 2024, winning 29 medals (7 gold, 9 silver, 13 bronze). This is India’s best-ever performance, surpassing the previous record from Tokyo 2020. The country’s women athletes played a crucial role, contributing to 11 of these medals. Moreover, India earned its first medals in track events and blind judo, further highlighting its growth in para sports.

Key Highlights of Paris Paralympics 2024

• Record-Breaking Tally: With 29 medals, India outdid its previous high of 19 medals from Tokyo 2020. The 7 gold medals also set a new national record.
• Women Athletes Lead the Way: Indian women delivered a historic performance by winning 11 medals. This is a significant improvement from past events.
  • Top performers included Avani Lekhara, Sheetal Devi, and Rubina Francis in shooting.
  • In badminton, Thulasimathi Murugesan and Manisha Ramadass impressed.
  • On the track, Preethi Pal, Deepthi Jeevanji, and Simran bagged crucial medals.
• India’s First Track Medals: Track events had been a weak spot for India. However, Preethi Pal won two bronze medals in the 100m and 200m T35 events. Additionally, Deepthi Jeevanji earned bronze in the 400m T20, and Simran secured bronze in the 200m T12.
• Blind Judo Success: Kapil Parmar made history by winning India’s first Paralympic medal in blind judo with a bronze.
• First Archery Gold: Harvinder Singh became the first Indian to win a gold medal in archery at the Paralympics.

UPSC Prelims and Mains Pointers

• Paris Paralympics 2024 Medal Count: India secured 29 medals (7 gold, 9 silver, 13 bronze) and ranked 18th overall.
• Women’s Achievement in Paralympics:
  • India’s women excelled in shooting, badminton, and track events.
  • Preethi Pal became India’s only double-medalist in Paris with two bronze medals.
  • Deepthi Jeevanji and Simran brought home India’s first sprint medals in Paralympic history.
• New Medals in Blind Judo and Archery:
  • Kapil Parmar earned India’s first blind judo medal.
  • Harvinder Singh won India’s first gold in archery.

Conclusion

India’s exceptional performance at the Paris Paralympics 2024 has set new standards for the country. The contribution of women athletes and achievements in new sports like blind judo and archery underscore India’s growing strength in para sports. With this success, India looks forward to even greater accomplishments at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics.