India has made history at the Paris Paralympics, surpassing its previous best performance with an impressive total of 20 medals, including 3 golds, 7 silvers, and 10 bronzes. This marks a significant improvement from the 19 medals achieved in Tokyo three years ago. With a standout performance in track and field events, India has climbed to the 17th position on the medal table by the sixth day of the Games.

Stellar Performances in Track and Field

Javelin Triumphs

In the men’s javelin throw F46 category, Ajeet Singh and Sundar Singh Gurjar showcased India's prowess. Singh clinched silver with a throw of 65.62 meters, while Gurjar, the world record holder, earned bronze with a throw of 64.96 meters. 

High Jump Heroes

The high jump T63 finals saw remarkable performances from Sharad Kumar and Mariyappan Thangavelu. Kumar secured silver with a jump of 1.88 meters, and Thangavelu, the Tokyo Paralympics gold medalist, won bronze with 1.85 meters. These athletes compete in the T63 category, which includes those with impairments in one leg or missing limbs above the knee.

Rising Stars and Remarkable Achievements

Deepthi Jeevanji's Breakthrough

One of the standout performers of the Games, Deepthi Jeevanji, won bronze in the women’s 400m (T20) event. The 20-year-old sprinter clocked 55.82 seconds, securing her place behind Ukraine’s Yuliia Shuliar and Turkey’s Aysel Onder. Jeevanji, who hails from Kalleda Village in Telangana, made a stunning debut at the Paralympics, continuing her impressive form from the Asian Para Games and the Para World Championships.

Avani Lekhara's Mixed Campaign

Avani Lekhara, who made history as the first Indian woman to win consecutive Paralympic gold medals, narrowly missed out on another podium finish. She competed in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 event and placed fifth with a score of 420.6. Despite this, her earlier triumph in the 10m air rifle event remains a significant highlight of her campaign.

Challenges and Close Calls

In other events, Bhagyashri Jadhav, competing in her second Paralympics, finished fifth in the women’s shot put (F34) with a throw of 7.28 meters. Her strong performance, despite missing out on a medal, highlights her resilience and dedication. In archery, Pooja Jatyan’s journey ended in the quarterfinals, where she lost a close match to China’s Wu Chunyan. Jatyan’s performance was a testament to her skill and determination, pushing a seasoned competitor to the edge.

Paris Paralympics have been a landmark event for India, with athletes setting new benchmarks and surpassing past achievements. The country's record-breaking medal tally reflects the remarkable talent and dedication of its para-athletes, who continue to inspire and achieve extraordinary feats on the global stage.