Through sheer determination and perseverance, para athletes have steadily overcome the odds, earning global recognition and bringing glory to the nation

The Paris Paralympics unfolded as a captivating display of athletic excellence, particularly for the Indian contingent. It was a spectacle, with each athlete embodying a harmonious blend of strength, determination, and skill – almost like poetry in motion. As an avid follower, I found myself engrossed in nearly every performance, regardless of the challenging (IST) time difference that saw events commence under the glowing silhouette of the Eiffel Tower. On the rare occasions when I could not watch live, social media provided timely updates, fuelling my enthusiasm and admiration for these remarkable athletes.

Their tenacity and commitment to realizing their dreams on the global stage were evident as they competed and excelled across multiple disciplines, leaving an indelible mark on the world of sports.India delivered its best-ever performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, achieving a historic 29-medal haul that included seven gold, nine silver, and 13 bronze medals. This outstanding achievement surpassed the 19-medal tally from Tokyo 2020, where India had won five golds, and marked a significant milestone as the country crossed the 50-medal mark in its Paralympic history. A record 84 para-athletes represented India across 12 disciplines, including the debut participation in para-cycling, para-rowing, and blind judo. Among the shining stars, Avani Lekhara became the first Indian woman to win two golds at the Paralympic Games, defending her title in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 shooting event with a world-record score. Meanwhile, India saw its first-ever one-two finish in athletics, with Dharambir and Parnav Soorma clinching gold and silver in the men’s club throw F51 event. Dharambir also set a new Asian record of 34.92m.In athletics, several Indian para-athletes etched their names in the record books.

Praveen Kumar set an Asian record en route to winning the high jump T64 title, securing India’s sixth gold medal — their highest total at the Paralympics. Javelin thrower Sumit Antil made history as the first Indian man to defend his Paralympic title, winning gold in the men’s javelin throw F64 with a stunning throw of 70.59m, breaking his record from Tokyo 2020 not once but three times. Mariyappan Thangavelu, with a bronze in the high jump T42 class, became the first Indian to win medals at three consecutive Paralympic Games, having previously won gold at Rio 2016 and silver at Tokyo 2020. Preethi Pal secured India’s first-ever medal in a track event at the Paralympics with a bronze in the women’s 100m T35 race and won another bronze in the 200m, becoming India’s most successful athlete at the Games with two medals. The track events also saw Deepthi Jeevanji become the first intellectually impaired Indian athlete to win a Paralympic medal with a bronze in the women’s 400m T20 class.India’s achievements extended beyond the track and field to other disciplines. In archery, armless archer Sheetal Devi briefly set a world record in the ranking round and later teamed up with Rakesh Kumar to achieve a world record score in the compound mixed team qualification event. It was a perfect example of poetry in motion.

At just 17, Sheetal made history as India’s youngest Paralympic medallist by winning a bronze in the mixed team event. Moreover, India’s dominance in archery was further confirmed when Harvinder Singh became the country’s first-ever Paralympic archery champion. The outstanding performances by Indian para-athletes at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games underscored India’s emergence as a formidable contender on the global stage. Originating in 1948 with a sports event for World War II veterans with spinal injuries, organized by Sir Ludwig Guttmann in Stoke Mandeville, England, the Paralympics evolved into an international event in 1960 in Rome with 400 athletes from 23 countries. Since then, the Games have grown significantly, challenging stereotypes and promoting inclusivity, while celebrating the exceptional talents and resilience of athletes with disabilities.

India began its Paralympic journey in 1968, overcoming numerous challenges such as limited resources, inadequate facilities, and low public awareness. Despite these hurdles, Indian para-athletes gradually rose to prominence on the global stage. A pivotal moment came in 2004 when Devendra Jhajharia won India’s first Paralympic gold, setting a world record in the F46 javelin throw. This achievement heralded a new era for Indian para-sports, culminating in 35 medals across 12 Paralympic Games.The Paralympics exemplify India’s commitment to inclusiveness, reflecting a broader national strategy to promote equity in sports.

Government initiatives such as the ‘Target Olympic Podium Scheme’ (TOPS), ‘Khelo India,’ and increased funding for para-sports provide athletes with special abilities access to advanced training facilities, coaching, and financial support. To foster a more inclusive sports ecosystem, India regularly hosts events like the National Para Games and Para Athletics Championships, enhancing visibility and opportunities for para-athletes. What is needed is corporate sponsorships and media coverage which are crucial in transforming societal perceptions of disability, empowering athletes and promoting social inclusion and awareness.

Globally, several countries have successfully promoted inclusiveness through sports.

The United Kingdom, for example, has been a pioneer in fostering an inclusive sports culture. Looking back at the success of Team GB at the London 2012 Paralympics, where they ranked third with 120 medals, which stemmed from years of investment in para-sports proves this point.

The UK government, along with organizations like the British Paralympic Association, provided substantial funding, advanced training facilities, and comprehensive support for athletes.

The extensive broadcasting and marketing of the London 2012 Paralympics also helped transform public perceptions of disability, inspiring a new generation of para-athletes. Similarly, Australia has excelled in promoting inclusivity in sports through the Australian Paralympic Committee, which focuses on talent identification, athlete development, and grassroots inclusivity.

Further, Japan’s efforts during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics highlighted its commitment to accessibility, with significant investments in inclusive infrastructure, such as accessible public transport, venues, and accommodations, demonstrating a strong commitment to para-sports.

Moreover, the Paralympic Committee’s ‘I’mPOSSIBLE’ program, an educational initiative by the Agitos Foundation, was introduced in schools across Japan to educate children about the Paralympic values of courage, determination, inspiration, and equality, fostering a culture of inclusivity from a young age.In India, the road to achieving inclusiveness in sports has been long and challenging, but progress is evident.

The success of para-athletes at the Paralympics 2024 has helped break down barriers and challenge stereotypes, paving the way for a more inclusive society. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that people with special abilities have equal access to sports and the opportunity to compete at the highest level.

The future of Indian para-sports looks promising, as it is a powerful reminder that success in sports is not limited by physical ability but defined by determination, skill, and the spirit to overcome adversity. WE CAN is the catchword.

(The writer is Programme Executive, Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti; views expressed are personal)