NEW DELHI: Prime Minister
Narendra Modi
extended his heartfelt wishes to the Indian contingent participating in the
Paris 2024
Paralympics, underscoring the nation's support for its athletes.
“140 crore Indians wish our contingent at the Paris #Paralympics 2024 the very best. The courage and determination of every athlete are a source of inspiration for the entire nation.
Everyone is rooting for their success. #Cheer4Bharat," Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
India’s participation in the Paris 2024 Paralympics represents a historic chapter in the country’s sporting journey.
With a record-breaking contingent of 84 athletes, including 32 women, this marks India’s largest-ever representation at the Paralympic Games.
The significant growth in the number of participants, especially female athletes, underscores the increased support and opportunities for differently-abled athletes in the country.
The remarkable performance of the
Indian team
at the
Tokyo 2020
Paralympics, where they secured 19 medals -- five gold, eight silver, and six bronze -- has set high expectations for Paris 2024.
The Indian athletes are set to compete across 12 sports, with the introduction of three new disciplines: para cycling, para rowing, and blind judo.
Among the standout athletes to watch are
Avani Lekhara
and
Sumit Antil
, both of whom clinched gold medals at Tokyo 2020. Lekhara, who tied the world record in the women’s R2 10m air rifle standing SH1 event, aims to replicate her success in Paris. M
Meanwhile, Antil, the world record holder in men’s F64 javelin throw, is determined to defend his title and push for even greater achievements.
The inclusion of para cycling, with
Arshad Shaik
and
Jyoti Gaderiya
representing India, and the debut of para rowing and blind judo, demonstrate India's expanding prowess in adaptive sports.
The participation of athletes like Kapil Parmar, Kokila, Anita, and K. Narayana in these new disciplines reflects the country’s commitment to inclusivity and excellence in the Paralympic movement.
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