Who are India's flagbearers for the 2024 Paralympics opening ceremony?

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. This year, over 4,400 athletes will compete in 22 sports, spanning 549 events. The 2024 Summer Paralympics promises to be a spectacular 11-day event.

Who are India's flagbearers for the 2024 Paralympics opening ceremony?

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. The Paralympics begins on Thursday, August 29. In this edition, there are 22 sports in 23 disciplines and a total of 549 events. 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.

Who is Sumit Antil? - The defending champion in the javelin throw F-64 category

India's flag bearer and defending Javelin Throw champion Sumit Antil thrice broke his own world record to win gold in the men's javelin throw F64 category. The 23-year-old began with a 66.95m throw, beating his previous world record of 62.88m. In his second attempt, Sumit Antil once again made a new world record with a 68.08m throw. Sumit Antil's fifth throw of 68.55m in the final earned him a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. He has improved his performance setting a new world record of 73.29 meters at the 2022 Asian Para Games and winning the gold medal at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships.

#WATCH | Delhi: Flag bearer of 2024 Paralympic, Para-athlete (javelin thrower) Sumit Antil says, "84 athletes are representing India in the Paralympics and it makes me happy to be the flagbearer. We will try to perform better than the Tokyo Olympics...We are expecting 25 plus… pic.twitter.com/k8dGoc8X3b

— ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2024

Who is Bhagyashree Jadhav? - A consistent performer destined to lead India to glory

Hailing from Maharashtra, Bhagyashree Jadhav has been chosen as India's flag bearer for her consistent performances in the shot put on the international stage. She won a silver medal in the shot put F34 category at the 2022 Asian Para Games and finished seventh at the Tokyo Paralympics. Jadhav’s journey in sports began in 2017, and she quickly made her mark with medals at various international events, including the Feja World Cup and World Para Athletics Games. Her steady progress at the international level has shown that she can lead the India Paralympics contingent to glory at the Paris Paralympics 2024.

Another quota for #ParisParalympics cleared at Para Athletics World Championships 2023
as 🇮🇳's Bhagyashri Jadhav acquires 4⃣th position in Shotput F34 Event.

Many congratulations champ 🥳👏 pic.twitter.com/odSyXqeUzM

— SAI Media (@Media_SAI) July 13, 2023

What are the expectations and what has been the story so far?

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 Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) chief Devendra Jhajharia said that 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. India had won 19 medals at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. 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.

The 2024 Paralympic Games will run from August 28 to September 8 showcasing athletes from around the globe. 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.

Our champion 🇮🇳 para athletes assemble for some beautiful moments 📷 straight from the #ParisParalympics2024 send-off ceremony this afternoon in New #Delhi.

In attendance were Hon'ble MYAS Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon'ble MoS Smt Raksha Khadse as well as ex-para athletes Devendra… pic.twitter.com/sg0B2jVuml

— SAI Media (@Media_SAI) August 16, 2024