India’s Paralympic Glory: 29 Medals at Paris 2024 -

India achieved its best-ever performance in Paralympic history at the Paris 2024 Games, securing an impressive total of 29 medals, including seven gold, nine silver, and 13 bronze. This record-breaking achievement surpasses the 19-medal haul from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, which included five gold medals.

Crossing the 50-Medal Milestone

With this historic performance, India also crossed the 50-medal mark in their Paralympic history. A record 84 para-athletes represented India at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, held in the French capital from August 28 to September 8. Competing in 12 disciplines—three more than at Tokyo 2020—Indian para-athletes showcased their talents in new sports such as para cycling, para rowing, and blind judo.

Standout Performances by Indian Athletes

Avani Lekhara made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win two gold medals at the Paralympic Games. She defended her title in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 shooting event with a world record score.

India also recorded a historic one-two finish in athletics for the first time, with Dharambir and Parnav Soorma clinching gold and silver, respectively, in the men’s club throw F51 event. Dharambir set a new Asian record with a throw of 34.92m. In another notable achievement, Praveen Kumar set an Asian record to win the high jump T64 title, securing India’s sixth gold, the highest ever at the Paralympics.

Sumit Antil’s Record-Breaking Triumph

Javelin thrower Sumit Antil also made history by becoming the first Indian man to defend his title at the Paralympics. He won gold in the men’s javelin throw F64 with a stunning throw of 70.59m, setting a new Paralympic record. Remarkably, Sumit broke his own previous record, set at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, three times during the competition.

Mariyappan Thangavelu’s Triple Triumph

Mariyappan Thangavelu became the first Indian to win medals at three consecutive Paralympics. He secured a bronze medal in the high jump T42 class at Paris 2024, adding to his gold from Rio 2016 and silver from Tokyo 2020.

Also Read: Paralympics 2024: Day 9 Brings New Triumphs

Preethi Pal’s Historic Double

Preethi Pal made a significant mark by winning India’s first-ever medal in a track event at the Paralympics, securing bronze in the women’s 100m T35 race with a personal best time. She went on to win another bronze in the 200m, making her India’s most successful athlete at the Games with two medals.

Record-Breaking Achievements in Archery

In archery, Sheetal Devi briefly set a world record in the ranking round before finishing in second place. However, she later teamed up with Rakesh Kumar to achieve a world record score in the compound mixed team qualification event. At just 17 years old, Sheetal became India’s youngest Paralympic medallist, winning bronze in the mixed-team event alongside Rakesh. Harvinder Singh made history by becoming India’s first-ever Paralympic archery champion, further elevating India’s achievements at the Games.