India Paralympics: Can India improve on their medal rush in Paris?

After sending a record number of 117 individuals to the Paris Olympics, India prepares to send its largest-ever Paralympic team to the games. A total of 84 athletes have been shortlisted for the 2024 Summer Paralympic Games. In just a few weeks, we'll have another chance to cheer our fellow Indian athletes. The 2024 Paralympic Games are just around the corner and will run from August 28 to September 8, with the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday, August 28. Amidst the excitement, Tokyo Paralympics gold medallist Sumit Antil and Asian Para Games silver medallist Bhagyashree Jadhav have been selected as India's flagbearers for the 2024 Paralympics opening ceremony. India won 19 medals at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics five gold, eight silver and six bronze. In this blog, we take a look at the India Paralympics team's chances of improving on their medal rush in Paris.

India Paralympics: Can India improve on their medal rush in Paris?

1. India’s best-ever Paralympics - 2020 Tokyo Paralympics

The India Paralympics contingent had a total of 54 athletes participating in the 2020 Summer Paralympic Games. India won 19 medals at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics five gold, eight silver and six bronze. It was India’s best-ever Paralympics. Shooting emerged as the biggest contributor for India with 5 medals, followed by high jump and badminton with 4 medals each. The 2020 Tokyo Paralympics campaign was a historic one for India, with star shooter Avani Lekhara becoming the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic gold medal. Bhavina Patel became the first Indian table tennis player to win a Paralympic medal and Harvinder Singh became the first Indian to win a Paralympic medal in archery. However, it will be interesting to see whether the India Paralympics team can better their medal tally in Paris Paralympics 2024.

India's medals list at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics

2. PCI chief Devendra Jhajharia is confident of India winning 25 medals in Paris Paralympics 2024

Double Paralympic gold medal-winning javelin thrower and current president of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) Devendra Jhajharia is confident of the nation winning at least 25 medals in the upcoming Paralympics in Paris and that the shadow of the Pramod Bhagat controversy will not affect the India Paralympics contingent. India is hoping to win more than 25 medals from its largest-ever contingent of 84 athletes at the upcoming 2024 Summer Paralympic Games beginning on August 28. The India Paralympics contingent would look the carry the momentum of record-breaking performances in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics and 2023 Hangzhou Asian Para Games.

"Look, there is no doubt that Pramod Bhagat is our star athlete but the target of 25 medals that we have set is from our current contingent of 84 players. Pramod Bhagat is not included in this. I have kept this target after closely monitoring our players. Pramod being a gold medal winner of the last Games not being in the Indian team is extremely sad and unfortunate, but we cannot do anything," PCI chief Devendra Jhajharia said.

India is all set to compete in 12 sports, including archery, athletics, badminton, canoeing, cycling, blind judo, powerlifting, rowing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, and taekwondo. Unfortunately, Tokyo Paralympics gold medallist para shuttler Pramod Bhagat is set to miss the Paris Paralympics 2024 after being found guilty of breaching the BWF anti-doping regulations. Pramod Bhagat has now appealed this decision to the CAS Appeals Division. A statement from BWF on Tuesday, August 13 morning confirmed Bhagat’s ineligibility to participate in the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Pramod alleged that 'a small technical issue' spoiled his dream of defending the Paralympics gold medal.

🎶 Macha Dhoom is HERE! 🎶

The anthem that fuels the spirit of our Paralympic athletes is now live! 🇮🇳🔥

🎥 Watch the official music video and feel the energy of our champions as they gear up for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games! Together, let’s make this anthem go viral and… pic.twitter.com/AoLu3yTRqx

— Paralympic Committee of India (@PCI_IN_Official) August 17, 2024

3. What are the expectations and where can we watch the Paris Paralympics 2024 from India?

Amidst all the buzz, Tokyo Paralympics gold medallist Sumit Antil and Asian Para Games silver medallist Bhagyashree Jadhav have been selected as India's flagbearers for the 2024 Paralympics opening ceremony. Shot putter Bhagyashree Jadhav and javelin thrower Sumit Antil will lead the Indian contingent at the opening ceremony on Wednesday, August 28. The Paris Paralympics 2024 will run from August 28 to September 8. Fans can catch 16 sports in action on Saturday, August 31.

The opening ceremony of this summer’s Paralympics takes place on Wednesday, August 28. The final day of the competition as well as the closing ceremony is on Sunday, September 8. Fans in the Indian subcontinent were able to catch all the live action on TV and live streaming from the Olympic games. 100 Sports Management has secured broadcasting and digital media rights for the Paris Paralympics 2024 in India, ensuring wide accessibility and celebrating the resilience and achievements of these exceptional athletes.

🌟 Team India Ready for Paris 2024! 🇮🇳

Today, we come together at The Ashok, Delhi, to send off our incredible para-athletes as they embark on their journey to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games! With hearts full of pride and determination, these champions are ready to make history… pic.twitter.com/xSis0ZWWFZ

— Paralympic Committee of India (@PCI_IN_Official) August 16, 2024