The anticipation is building as the Paris Paralympics 2024 is about to kick off with a grand opening ceremony, a little over a month after the 2024 Paris Olympics made its mark. While the Olympic ceremony dazzled along the banks of the Seine, the Paralympics are set to start with equal grandeur, albeit at different iconic locations: the Champs-Elysees and the historic Place de la Concorde. These venues are not only steeped in history but are also some of Paris’s most visited tourist spots, making them perfect backdrops for this momentous event.
The Place de la Concorde, which played host to the skateboarding, breaking, and 3×3 basketball events during the Olympics, will now witness a different kind of action. Over 4,400 athletes from around the world are set to march into these historic venues, ready to compete for 549 medals across 22 sports over the next 11 days.
India, with its largest-ever contingent, is sending 84 athletes who will compete in 12 sports, marking a significant moment in the country’s Paralympic history. The flag bearers for India at the opening ceremony are none other than javelin thrower Sumit Antil and shot putter Bhagyashri Jadhav, who embody the spirit and determination of the Indian team. Alongside these athletes, a 179-member contingent will include 77 team officials, nine medical personnel, and nine other contingent officials, all working towards one goal: making history.
The excitement surrounding the Paris Paralympics is palpable, with over two million tickets already sold. While 500,000 tickets are still available, the Paris Games are on track to nearly match the record set by the London 2012 Paralympics, where 2.7 million tickets were sold, 97% of the total available. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) figures highlight that the global interest in the Paralympics has been steadily growing, with past events like the Rio 2016 and Beijing 2008 Games also drawing millions of spectators.
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India’s journey in the Paralympics has been one of incredible growth and success. At the Rio 2016 Games, India’s para-athletes brought home four medals, doubling the count of their able-bodied counterparts. Fast forward to the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics, and India’s medal tally soared to an impressive 19, showcasing the nation’s rising dominance in para-sports.
With the 2024 Paralympic Games set to begin in Paris, India is aiming even higher. The optimism is driven by the performance of the largest para-contingent India has ever sent. The President of the Paralympic Committee of India, Devendra Jhajharia, who is also a double Paralympic gold medalist, has confidently stated that India is poised to make history once again. He believes that the team’s preparations, across various sports like athletics, badminton, and archery, have been exceptional, setting the stage for a record-breaking performance.
Sumit Antil’s journey from a village in Haryana to becoming a world-record holder in javelin throw is nothing short of inspirational. Initially dreaming of becoming a wrestler, Antil’s life took a drastic turn when he lost his left leg in an accident in 2015. However, his introduction to para athletics and his natural talent in javelin throwing have made him one of India’s brightest stars. After smashing the world record in men’s javelin (F64) multiple times, Antil is now pois to defend his title in Paris. His stunning throw of 73.29 meters at the Asian Games is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence.
Avani Lekhara is another athlete who has already etched her name in the history books. After an accident left her paralyzed from the waist down at the age of 12, Lekhara found solace in shooting. At the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics, she became the first Indian female athlete to win a gold medal at the Paralympics with her victory in the 10m air rifle SH1 event. She also added a bronze medal to her collection, further solidifying her status as a top contender. Now, as she prepares to compete in Paris, Lekhara will once again carry the hopes of the nation on her shoulders.
Making her Paralympic debut, Sheetal Devi is already a name to watch. Born with Phocomelia, a rare congenital disorder that causes underdevelop limbs, Devi didn’t even touch a bow until she was 15. Yet, within a few months, she master the art, using her right leg, shoulder, and jaw to release arrows with precision. Her remarkable journey has made her a well-known figure in Indian sports, and she’s already tast success by winning three medals at the Asian Games. In Paris, Devi will look to build on this momentum and possibly bring home her first Paralympic medal.
Badminton has become one of India’s strongest sports, and the para badminton team is expect to perform even better than the able-bodied athletes. After winning four medals, including two gold, when the sport made its Paralympic debut in Tokyo, expectations are high. Despite the suspension of gold medalist Pramod Bhagat, the team is brimming with talent and determination.
Para badminton chief coach Gaurav Khanna has set ambitious goals for the team,
aiming for eight to ten medals, including six golds. With the players in excellent form, India could see a significant haul in this sport.
As the Paris Paralympics 2024 unfolds, there will be no shortage of inspiring stories and remarkable performances from athletes worldwide. For India, this edition of the Paralympics represents more than just a sporting event;
it’s an opportunity to showcase the country’s growing prowess in para-sports.
With a record number of athletes and the highest expectations yet,
India is ready to continue its upward trajectory on the global stage.
The Paris Paralympics 2024 is set to an unforgettable event,
not just for the athletes but for the millions of fans who will be cheering them on.
From the grand opening ceremony at the Champs-Elysees and Place de la Concorde to the fierce competitions that will follow,
this is a moment of pride, especially for India.
With hopes of surpassing past performances and setting new records,
the Indian contingent is ready to make history.
As the games begin, one thing is clear: the Paris Paralympics 2024 will be a testament to the resilience,
determination, and excellence of athletes from all over the world.
The opening ceremony will take place at the Champs-Elysees and Place de la Concorde in Paris,
more than a month after the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.
India is sending its largest-ever contingent of 84 athletes, who will compete in 12 sports at the Paris Paralympics 2024.
Javelin thrower Sumit Antil and shot putter Bhagyashri Jadhav will be the flag bearers for India at the opening ceremony.
India aims to win more than 25 medals and hopes to rank among the top 20 countries in the medal tally,
with high expectations from athletes in athletics, badminton, and archery.
Athletes like Sumit Antil in javelin throw, Avani Lekhara in shooting,
and Sheetal Devi in archery are among the top contenders expect to perform well at the Paris Paralympics 2024.
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