The Paralympics will be held from 28th August to September 8. It will have intense competition on the global stage. There will be over 4,000 athletes competing in 22 sports events. India has already sent their Paralympic stars to Paris. Bhagyashree Jadhav and Sumit Antil will be the flag-bearers for India. Around 84 Para-athletes will participate from the nation. They are expected to perform better than the Tokyo event.
In the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics India won a total of 19 medals, five gold, eight silver, and six bronze medals. This was their best performance in the history of the major event. The nation will expect more medals in the forthcoming event. Indian Paralympic Committee President Devendra Zazaria has predicted at least 25 medals from the Paris Games. Hokato Hotozhe Sema the army soldier who lost his leg is the first-ever Asian Games medalist from Nagaland and will look to defy the odds in Paris.
Sandeep Chaudhary went on to become the world para champion and world record holder in men’s F64 javelin throw. He has injured hip permanently has showcased the world about his dedication and determination to become a world champion. Mariyappan Thangavelu will look to win yet another medal in Paris as the vegetable seller’s son who is the first gold medalist for India since 2004.
India can win more medals in Paris Paralympics
What makes the para-athletes so determined and provides a never-give mentality? The athletes have some or other issues in their lives that have created a big burden for them for the rest of their lives. However, defying the odds they have overcome those challenges and shined brightly in their respective athletic fields. Sheetal Devi is an Indian Para-archer. Devi was born with a rare medical condition called phocomelia which makes her the first and the only international para-archery champion without upper limbs. She is the world no.1 para-archer.
Manish Narwal is an Indian Para Pistol Shooter. He was born with a deformed right hand but that did not stop him from winning a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Manish will look to do something similar and win a medal for the nation in the Paris Paralympics.
