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India's journey at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games has been marked by remarkable achievements, culminating in a historic milestone as the nation surpassed its previous medal tally from the Tokyo Paralympics. With a total of 20 medals, including 3 gold, 7 silver, and 10 bronze, India's performance showcased the immense talent and dedication of its para athletes on the global stage. The surge in medal count was particularly evident during the latter stages of the Games, with a thrilling evening rush of four medals on Day Six propelling India's standing to new heights.
Track and field emerged as a powerhouse for India, consistently delivering remarkable performances. Notably, the iconic Stade de France witnessed a continued display of excellence from Indian athletes on the second consecutive day of the Games. The men's high jump T63 competition saw Sharad Kumar secure a silver medal, while Mariyappan Thangavelu earned bronze. Meanwhile, in the men's javelin throw F46 final, Ajeet Singh and Sundar Gurjar delivered silver and bronze medals respectively. This collective success cemented India's position as a formidable force in the track and field events.
Beyond the medal count, India's participation at the Paris Paralympics reflected a significant shift in the nation's approach to para sports. The focus on training, infrastructure, and support for athletes has yielded tangible results, inspiring future generations and fostering a more inclusive sporting environment. While the Games presented some disappointments, such as Avani Lekhara's close call in the women's 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 event and Bhagyashri Jadhav's fifth-place finish in the women's shot put (F34), these setbacks only reinforced the determination and perseverance of India's para athletes. The journey towards Paralympic success is an ongoing one, and India's commitment to nurturing talent and promoting accessibility in sports promises an even brighter future for the nation's para athletes.