As the Paralympic Games kick off on 28 August, India is sending its largest-ever contingent of para-athletes—84 strong and comprising a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers. Their mission: to surpass their previous achievements and secure a target of more than 25 medals, including a double-digit count in gold.

India's Ambitious Goal

This ambition is fueled by recent successes. In the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics, India set a new benchmark by winning 19 medals, including five golds, placing 24th in the overall rankings. Three years later, the country's expectations have grown, thanks in part to an impressive performance at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games, where Indian athletes clinched a record 111 medals, including 29 golds. This was followed by another stellar show at the World Para Athletics Championships in May, where India won 17 medals, including six golds, finishing sixth in the overall standings.

Star Athletes to Watch

Several top athletes who excelled in recent events are part of the Paralympic team. Among them are world record-holding javelin thrower Sumit Antil (F64) and rifle shooter Avani Lekhara (10m Air Rifle Standing SH1), both defending their gold medals from Tokyo. Antil, whose left leg was amputated after an accident at age 17, aims to surpass his own record by throwing over 75 meters in Paris, at the same venue where Neeraj Chopra recently won an Olympic silver. Lekhara, who made history as the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic gold, is ready to add to her medal tally, having already won gold and bronze in Tokyo.

Diverse Talents, Unique Stories

India’s team this year spans a diverse range of talents and inspiring stories. Para-archer Sheetal Devi, born without arms, competes using her legs and has already bagged multiple medals at the Asian Para Games. Shot putter Hokato Sema and rower Narayana Konganapalle, both landmine blast survivors, are among the other medal hopefuls. Manish Narwal, a shooter, and Krishna Nagar, a shuttler, will also be defending their gold medals from Tokyo.

India's participation has expanded to 12 sports this time, compared to nine in Tokyo, reflecting the growth and increasing confidence in the nation’s para-athletic capabilities. 

The para-athletics team has historically been a major contributor to India’s medal tally and is expected to deliver once again with 38 athletes in the fray.

Each athlete has overcome significant physical challenges to compete at the highest level, embodying the spirit of the Paralympic Games, which celebrate both athletic excellence and human endurance.

The current President of the Paralympics Committee of India, Devendra Jhajharia, himself a decorated javelin thrower with two golds and a silver from past Paralympics, has been a driving force behind the growth of para-sports in India. His leadership has helped pave the way for the current generation of athletes, who continue to push the boundaries of what is possible.

Historic Opening Ceremony

For the first time, the opening ceremony will be held outside a stadium. The Indian flag will be jointly carried by Sumit Antil and shot putter Bhagyashri Jadhav, who recently won a silver in the F34 event at the Asian Para Games. This moment symbolizes not just a historic beginning for the Paralympic Games but also a symbol of hope and inspiration for para-athletes across India.

With a blend of youth and experience, India’s para-athlete contingent is poised to make history at the Paralympic Games. As they prepare to compete, the nation looks on with hope and pride, ready to celebrate their achievements on the world stage.