India in Paralympics 2024: Get all information regarding the opening ceremony, India’s schedule, flag bearers, medal hopes, India’s Tokyo 2020 highlights and how-to watch guide.
As the 2024 Summer Paralympics approach, excitement is building for India’s performance in Paris. From August 28 to September 8, 2024, the city of lights, Paris will host athletes from across the globe, showcasing incredible feats of strength and determination. India is sending its largest-ever contingent of 84 athletes competing in 12 sports, making this a historic moment for the nation. This article provides a comprehensive overview of India’s Paralympic history, best para-athletes, gold medal prospects, key events, and essential viewing details for fans.
Paralympics 2024 overview
The Summer Paralympics 2024 will be held in Paris from August 28 to September 8, 2024. The Games will feature 549 events across 22 sports, showcasing the extraordinary abilities of para-athletes from around 169 countries including NPA and Refugee Team. The opening ceremony at Place de la Concorde will offer a grand start to this global celebration of sport and resilience.
What Indian Fans Need to Know About Paralympics 2024
- When and where is the Paralympics 2024?
The Summer Paralympics 2024 will be held in Paris, France, from August 28 to September 8, 2024. - What are the opening and closing ceremonies timings?
The Paralympics 2024 opening ceremony will take place on Wednesday, August 28, from 8:00 PM local time (11:30 PM IST), at Place de la Concorde, while the closing ceremony is scheduled for September 8, 2024, in Stade de France at 8:00 PM local time (11:30 PM IST). - What is the Paralympics 2024 Mascot?
The mascot for the Paralympics 2024 is “Paralympic Phryge,” a spirited cap-shaped mascot, that symbolizes French values and the power of inclusivity. - How many athletes has India sent to the Paralympics 2024?
India is sending its largest-ever contingent of 84 athletes, competing across 12 sports. - Who are India’s Flag Bearers for the Opening Ceremony?
Bhagyashree Jadhav and Sumit Antil are Paralympics 2024 India flag bearers for the opening ceremony. - How Many Paralympic Medals Has India Won? Paralympics 2Indiandia medals
Since its debut in 1968, India has won a total of 31 Paralympic medals, including 9 gold medals. Notably, India secured 5 of these golds at the 2020 Games. The Paralympics 2024 India medal tally will be updated as the event progresses. - Who Was the First Indian to Win a Paralympic Medal?
Murlikant Petkar was the first Indian to win a Paralympic medal, earning gold in swimming at the 1972 Games. - Who is the Most Decorated Paralympian from India?
Devendra Jhajharia is the most decorated Paralympian from India. He won 2 gold medals and 1 silver medal, and he is currently the President of the Paralympic Association of India. - How to watch the Paralympics 2024 in India?
Indian viewers can watch the Game’s daily Highlights on the Sports18 Network and stream them live on the JioCinema app. - Where Will the Future Paralympics Be Held?
The Winter Paralympics 2026 will be hosted in Milan-Cortina, Italy, while the Summer Paralympics 2028 will take place in Los Angeles, USA.
India’s Paralympic History and Notable Para-Athletes
India’s Paralympic journey began in 1968, with its first medal won in the 1972 Games by Murlikant Petkar, who claimed the country’s first-ever gold medal in a single event (across both the Olympics and Paralympics) in swimming. Since then, India has won a total of 31 Paralympic medals, including 9 gold, 12 silver, and 10 bronze. The country’s best performance came at the 2020 Games, where it finished 24th with a total of 19 medals.
India’s Five most successful Paralympic athletes
- Devendra Jhajharia: India’s most decorated Paralympian, with 2 gold and 1 silver in athletics.
- Joginder Singh Bedi: The first Indian to win multiple medals in a single Paralympics, capturing 1 silver and 2 bronze in track and field.
- Mariyappan Thangavelu: Known for his achievements in athletics (High Jump), with 1 gold and 1 silver medal.
- Avani Lekhara: The first Indian female para-athlete to win 2 medals in a single Paralympics (Tokyo 2020), securing 1 gold and 1 bronze in shooting.
- Singhraj Adhana: Well known for his performance in shooting has won 1 silver and 1 bronze medal.
India’s Highlights from Tokyo 2020
The Tokyo 2020 Paralympics was historic for India, as the country delivered its best performance to date with a total of 19 medals, including 5 gold, 8 silver, and 6 bronze. India attained its highest position yet in the Paralympics, finishing 24th in the overall medal tally.
Top Moments for India from the Tokyo Paralympic Games
- Avani Lekhara: Made history as the first Indian woman to win two medals in a single Paralympic Games, including gold in Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 and bronze in Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions SH1.
- Sumit Antil: Secured gold in Men’s Javelin Throw F64 and set a world record with a throw of 68.55 meters.
- Krishna Nagar: Claimed gold in Men’s Singles SH6 para-badminton, marking a historic achievement for India.
These accomplishments have set a high bar for the 2024 Games, with Indian athletes aiming to surpass these milestones.
Gold medal hopes for India in the 2024 Games
India’s team features several standout athletes who are strong gold medal contenders, Here are four athletes that are favourites for a gold in this para-games:
- Avani Lekhara
- Event: Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1
- Past Achievements: Gold and bronze at Tokyo 2020.
- Recent Achievements: Gold at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games.
- Sumit Antil
- Event: Men’s Javelin Throw F64
- Past Achievements: Gold and world record at Tokyo 2020.
- Recent Achievements: World record throw of 73.29 meters at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games.
- Mariyappan Thangavelu
- Event: Men’s High Jump T63
- Past Achievements: Gold at Rio 2016 and silver at Tokyo 2020.
- Recent Achievements: Gold at the World Para Athletics Championships.
- Krishna Nagar
- Event: Men’s Singles SH6 (Para Badminton)
- Past Achievements: Gold at Tokyo 2020.
- Recent Achievements: Ranked world number 2, bronze at the 2018 Asian Para Games.
Paralympics 2024 India schedule
Indian athletes will compete across various events during the Games.
Key event dates:
- August 29, 2024:
- Para Archery: Men’s Individual Recurve Open, Women’s Individual Recurve Open, Mixed Team Recurve Open
- Para-Badminton: Men’s Singles SL3, SL4, SH6; Women’s Singles SL3, SL4, SU5, SH6; Mixed Doubles SL3-SU5, SH6
- August 30, 2024:
- Para Athletics: Women’s 100m T12; Men’s Javelin Throw F64
- Para Shooting: Men’s 10m Air Pistol SH1; Women’s 10m Air Pistol SH1
- August 31, 2024:
- Para Athletics: Men’s Javelin Throw F57; Women’s 1500m T11
- September 1, 2024:
- Para Athletics: Men’s High Jump T47
- September 2, 2024:
- Para Judo: Men’s 60kg J1, Women’s 48kg J2
For a complete schedule, visit the official Paralympics 2024 website.
How to watch the Paralympics 2024 in India
The 2024 Paralympics will not be televised live on television channels in India. However, viewers can watch daily event highlights on the Sports 18 Network. Live streaming will be accessible on the JioCinema app throughout the 12 days of the Paris Paralympics 2024. Visit Olympics.com for additional live-streaming options. For viewers in the USA, the Paralympics 2024 will be shown on the USA Network. For live streaming, viewers can watch on Peacock and NBC Olympics platforms. Fans in other regions should check with local broadcasters.
Conclusion: Anticipating India’s Performance at the 2024 Paralympics
As the 2024 Paralympics approach, there’s a visible sense of excitement surrounding India’s performance. With a record-setting contingent and several strong medal prospects, the Games are set to be a significant chapter in India’s Paralympic history. Athletes are gearing up to build on the successes of Tokyo and achieve new milestones. The upcoming Games promise to be an inspiring showcase of talent and perseverance, with India eager to shine on the global stage.
In conclusion, the Summer Paralympics 2024 in Paris are poised to be a memorable event. As the Games begin, all eyes will be on India’s athletes as they strive to make their mark and add to the nation’s rich Paralympic legacy.
Also Read: Fourth place finishes for India at the Olympics: From Milkha Singh in 1960 to Aditi Ashok in 2020
Stay tuned for all the latest updates on the Indian contingent participating in the Paris Paralympics 2024.