India’s performance at the Paris Paralympics has been nothing short of exceptional, showcasing the country’s unwavering commitment to inclusive sports and the immense potential of its Para athletes. With 15 medals already secured, the contingent is on track to surpass their previous achievements, continuing a trend of outperforming India’s Olympic team in recent years. This remarkable success story is a testament to the government’s dedication to providing comprehensive support and resources to Para athletes, creating an environment that fosters excellence and empowers them to reach their full potential.

A Government Driven Push Towards Paralympic Excellence

The government’s unwavering commitment to Para athletes has played a pivotal role in India’s success at the Paralympics. The Narendra Modi government has prioritized their development, mirroring the support extended to Olympic athletes. The sending of India’s largest ever contingent to the Games, comprising 84 athletes, including 34 women, highlights this dedication.

Comprehensive Support for Athletes

The government’s support extends beyond mere financial assistance. Significant resources have been invested in creating an environment conducive to athlete development.

• Training and Facilities: Para-athletes are given equal access to training facilities, whether at SAI centers or private academies. The government has also facilitated their participation in over 110 international competitions, providing them with valuable experience and exposure.

• Equipment and Funding: The government’s financial support covers a significant portion of their training and equipment expenses. Approximately Rs 22 crore has been allocated for Paralympic medal probables and Rs 74 crore for qualified disciplines.

• Dedicated Support Systems: A specialized Recovery Centre equipped with sports science facilities has been established at the Games Village in Paris, ensuring that para-athletes receive specialized care and attention. Additionally, a dedicated team of support staff has been deployed, exceeding the usual limit to cater to the unique needs of Para-athletes, including personal coaches and sports experts.

• Nutritional Support: At the state-of-the-art Indian Recovery Centre, the athletes are provided with specially sourced and carefully prepared snacks such as energy bars and protein mixtures, tailored to support their performances.

A Rising Tide of Paralympic Achievement

India’s performance at the Paris Paralympics follows a pattern of remarkable success in recent years, exceeding their Olympic counterparts.

Dominant Performance in Recent International Events

• Tokyo Paralympics 2020: India’s para-athletes bagged a phenomenal 19 medals, including 5 gold, a testament to their skill and determination.
• 2022 Asian Para Games: India achieved an unprecedented haul of 111 medals, significantly surpassing their Olympic contingent’s performance at the Asian Games.

Breaking Barriers and Setting New Records

This success has been fueled by the emergence of a new generation of talented para-athletes who are defying limits and breaking barriers.

• Record Contingent: The 84-member strong contingent sent to Paris reflects the increasing participation of Indian Para athletes.
• Newcomers: Fifty percent of the contingent are first-time participants, highlighting the depth of talent emerging in India.
• New Disciplines: India’s presence in new disciplines such as Blind Judo, Cycling, and Rowing, with equal representation in both genders, showcases the growing diversity and inclusivity of Indian Para sports.

Individual Triumphs and Inspirational Stories

The Paris Paralympics have witnessed the emergence of exceptional individual athletes whose stories are not just about medals but about resilience, determination, and pushing boundaries.

Notable Achievements and Inspiring Stories

• Avani Lekhara: This champion became the first Indian woman to win two gold medals at the Paralympics, successfully defending her title in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 shooting event.
• Preeti Pal: This remarkable athlete etched her name in history as the first-ever Indian woman track and field athlete to win two medals at the Paralympics or Olympics, earning bronze in both the women’s 100m T35 and 200m T35 events.
• Rubina Francis: Breaking new ground, she became the first-ever Indian female to win a Paralympic Games medal in pistol event.
• Sriharsha Devareddy: Making her debut at the age of 44, she exemplifies age being no barrier to pursuing athletic dreams.
• Sheetal Devi: At the young age of 17, this armless archer showcases the power of determination, making her first Paralympics appearance.
• Amit Kumar Saroha: The only Indian athlete to participate in the Paralympics for the fourth time, proving his dedication and enduring spirit.

Recognition and Appreciation for Paralympic Athletes

The government has not only provided resources but has also demonstrated unwavering support for Para-athletes through its recognition and appreciation of their achievements.

PM Modi’s Acknowledgement and Support

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally congratulated each medal-winner at the Paralympics, recognizing their immense contribution and highlighting the pride they bring to the nation. His statement about the country’s pride being linked to the presence of these athletes in Paris underscores the importance given to Paralympic achievements. He has repeatedly emphasized the stories of courage, dedication, and sacrifice embodied by Para-athletes, who face unique challenges but rise above them.

Take Away Points

India’s impressive performance at the Paris Paralympics is not a coincidence. It is a result of a strategic and sustained approach to Para-sports development. Key takeaways from this success story include:

• Government Commitment: Consistent and dedicated support from the government, mirroring that extended to Olympic athletes, is crucial for nurturing Paralympic excellence.
• Equitable Resources: Para-athletes should have equal access to training facilities, equipment, and funding to ensure a level playing field.
• Emphasis on Training and Exposure: Participation in international competitions provides valuable experience and fosters the growth of athletes.
• Specialized Support: Providing customized support systems tailored to the unique needs of para-athletes is crucial for their optimal performance.
• Recognizing and Celebrating Achievements: Appreciation and acknowledgement from the government and society as a whole plays a significant role in motivating Para-athletes and raising awareness about their extraordinary achievements.

India’s Paralympic success story is not merely about medals and records, but about inspiring a nation to embrace inclusivity and recognize the potential of every individual, regardless of their physical abilities. This success serves as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of dedicated support, and highlights the immense potential of Indian Para athletes on the global stage.