Paris Paralympics-2024 : India's most successful global mega event

Paris Paralympics-2024 : India’s most successful global mega event

Kula Pradip Bhagawati

The 2024 Paris Paralympics has turned out to be India’s most successful global mega event.

Indian athletes achieved an extraordinary feat, securing a record-breaking 29 medals-7 gold, 9 silver, and 13 bronze. This achievement marks a new pinnacle in India’s Paralympics history, showcasing the nation’s growing prominence on the world stage.

The Paris Paralympics have not only underscored India’s remarkable rise in para-sports but have also highlighted the broader evolution of the Paralympic movement itself.

Paris Paralympics-2024 : India's most successful global mega event

All this from a country where the majority of its privileged citizens wouldn’t recognise the name, Murlikant Petkar, in a pub quiz. Petkar was India’s first Paralympic gold medallist in the Heidelberg Games in 1972. He was awarded a Padma Shri in 2018; the gap between the two events tells its own story.

The resounding success of Indian Paralympians in Tokyo and Paris deserves to be saluted. By examining how it came to be, Indian sport could also identify the building blocks that can be used for other sporting mega events. The past showed us what doesn’t work. The present, through the Paralympics, could show us what does.

The word found in every discussion on the success at the last two Paralympics is ‘partnerships’ – among everyone involved in our para-sport ecosystem: athletes, their entourages, officials, fund-raisers and fund managers. The Bangalore-based Go Sports Foundation was the first to include para-athletes in its support and mentorship programme.

Over the last 10 years, Indian sport has been through an evolving clinical trial – featuring the injection of private capital, expertise and investment plus performance-focussed government funding for elite athletes and promising aspirants. The Paralympics success is the completion of one phase of the trial. The government’s role in this trial was the creation of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme launched in 2014 and then revamped in 2018 to assist Olympic and Paralympic contenders.

The origins of the Paralympics trace back to July 29, 1948, when Dr. Ludwig Guttmann organized the Stoke Mandeville Games-a groundbreaking event for wheelchair athletes. This modest competition, featuring just 16 injured servicemen and women in archery, set the stage for what would eventually become the Paralympic Games, creating a platform for athletes with disabilities to showcase their abilities on a global scale.

From these humble beginnings, the Paralympic movement evolved, with the first official Games held in Rome in 1960, featuring 400 athletes from 23 countries. Since then, both the Summer and Winter Paralympics have grown significantly, held every four years in the same cities as the Olympics, thanks to an agreement between the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which reflects the Games’ increasing prestige and global reach.

While India’s Olympic success was once dominated by its hockey team, the Paralympics have seen individual athletes rise to prominence, achieving remarkable feats and bringing glory to the nation. The Paris 2024 Paralympics stand as a testament to India’s growth in this arena, highlighting the dedication, resilience, and extraordinary achievements of its para-athletes.

India’s Debut and Early Years at the Paralympics

India made its maiden appearance at the Paralympics in 1968 in Tel Aviv, Israel. A delegation of 10 athletes, consisting of eight men and two women, represented the country in this historic outing. Although India did not win any medals at the Games, it provided the first significant international exposure for the nation’s para-athletes, marking the beginning of India’s journey on the global Paralympic stage.

Four years later, at the 1972 Heidelberg Games in Germany, India achieved its first Paralympic success. Para-swimmer Murlikant Petkar made history by winning gold in the 50m freestyle swimming event, setting a world record time of 37.331 seconds. Despite this monumental achievement, Petkar’s gold remained India’s only medal at the Games, with the country finishing 24th in the overall medal standings out of 42 participating nations.

Following this landmark victory in 1972, India’s participation in the Paralympics faced interruptions, as the country did not take part in the 1976 and 1980 Games. It wasn’t until the 1984 Games that India returned to the Paralympic arena.

This edition was a significant one, as India secured four medals-Two silvers and two bronzes. Bhimrao Kesarkar won silver in Men’s Javelin Throw L6, while Joginder Singh Bedi claimed silver in Men’s Shot Put L6, along with two bronze medals in Men’s Javelin Throw L6 and Men’s Discus Throw L6.

India’s next Paralympic success came 20 years later at the 2004 Athens Games. Devendra Jhajharia won gold in Men’s Javelin Throw F44/46, and Rajinder Singh Rahelu earned a bronze in Men’s Powerlifting 56 kg, taking India’s total tally to two medals in that edition.

Era of Transformation (2012-2020)

The period from 2012 to 2020 marked a transformative chapter in India’s Paralympic history, witnessing unparalleled growth in both performance and global recognition. Beginning with Girisha N Gowda’s lone silver medal at the 2012 London Paralympics, followed by a four-medal haul at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, and culminating in India’s impressive 19-medal success at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, this era highlighted the unwavering dedication and immense talent of Indian para-athletes. Their achievements on the world stage not only elevated India’s standing in the Paralympic arena but also inspired millions by breaking barriers and rewriting records.

At the 2012 London Paralympics, India secured its sole medal through the exceptional performance of Girisha N Gowda. Competing in the Men’s High Jump F42 category, Gowda won a silver medal, marking a significant achievement for Indian athletics. Despite a strong showing from the team, this was India’s only podium finish at these Games. Gowda’s accomplishment highlighted his outstanding athleticism and brought a moment of pride to the nation amidst the competitive global arena.

The 2016 Rio Paralympics were a landmark event for the Paralympic Movement, setting new standards in visibility and engagement with record-breaking TV audiences and over 2.1 million spectators. The Games featured a record 4,328 athletes from 160 countries, with 220 world records and 432 Paralympic records set over the course of 12 days.

India’s performance at Rio 2016 was notable, with the country winning a total of four medals. Mariyappan Thangavelu claimed gold in the Men’s High Jump F42, showcasing exceptional talent and determination. Varun Singh Bhati also competed in the same event and earned a bronze medal, contributing to a strong showing in athletics.

Devendra Jhajharia continued his remarkable career by winning gold in the Men’s Javelin Throw F46, further solidifying his legacy as one of India’s most decorated Paralympians. Additionally, Deepa Malik achieved a silver medal in the Women’s Shot Put F53, marking a significant milestone in Indian athletics.

These achievements underscored India’s growing prominence in the Paralympic arena and highlighted the remarkable performances of its athletes on the global stage.

2020 Tokyo Paralympics

The 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, held from August 24 to September 5, 2021, were a landmark event for the Paralympic Movement, featuring 4,393 athletes (2,547 men and 1,671 women) from 164 countries. The Games were marked by unprecedented levels of competition and visibility, showcasing the incredible talent and determination of para-athletes from around the world.

India achieved its best performance to date at these Games, winning a total of 19 medals, including 5 gold, 8 silver, and 6 bronze. This remarkable haul underscored the country’s growing prominence in the Paralympic arena.

Among the standout performances, Avani Lekhara shone brightly by securing two medals: a gold in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 and a bronze in the Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions SH1. Sumit Antil also delivered an exceptional performance, winning gold in the Men’s Javelin Throw F64.

In badminton, Pramod Bhagat and Krishna Nagar claimed gold medals in the Men’s Singles SL3 and Men’s Singles SH6, respectively. Manoj Sarkar and Suhas Yathiraj further added to the medal count with a bronze and silver in badminton, respectively.

Athletics saw significant contributions, with Nishad Kumar and Mariyappan Thangavelu earning silver in the Men’s High Jump T47 and T42, respectively. Devendra Jhajharia and Sundar Singh Gurjar won silver and bronze in the Men’s Javelin Throw F46.

Shooting also played a crucial role in India’s success, with Singhraj Adhana and Manish Narwal winning gold and silver in the Men’s 50m Pistol SH1, and Harvinder Singh securing bronze in archery.

India finished 24th in the overall medal standings, a testament to the exceptional performances of its athletes and a significant achievement on the global stage, with several other athletes also playing a crucial role in adding to this historic medal count.

The 2024 Paris Paralympics: A Triumphant Milestone

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, held from August 28 to September 8, 2024, were a grand celebration of global athletic prowess and inclusivity. Featuring 4,400 athletes from around the world competing in 22 sports, the Games were hosted across some of Paris’s most iconic venues, including the Eiffel Tower, the Château de Versailles, and the Grand Palais.

For India, the 2024 Paris Paralympics marked the nation’s most successful Games to date. India’s participation reached new heights, with a record 84 athletes competing in 12 sports. This impressive representation reflects the country’s growing support for para-sports and the impact of significant government initiatives, such as the Khelo India program and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). Under TOPS, India’s top athletes receive comprehensive support to prepare for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, with core group athletes receiving an Out-of-Pocket Allowance (OPA) of ?50,000 per month, alongside full funding for their personalized training plans approved by the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC).

India’s achievements at Paris 2024 underscored the progress made in the development and recognition of Paralympic sports within the country. The athletes’ outstanding performances highlighted India’s continued ascent in the Paralympic arena and set a new benchmark for future participation and success.

India’s para-athletes delivered their best-ever performance at the Paris Games, earning an incredible 29 medals-7 gold, 9 silver, and 13 bronze-securing an 18th-place finish in the overall medal tally. This achievement represents a watershed moment for Indian para-sports, showcasing the potential of Indian athletes on the global stage.

India’s medal haul at the 2024 Paris Paralympics was led by stellar performances from athletes across a range of disciplines. Avani Lekhara clinched gold in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1, while Nitesh Kumar dominated in badminton, winning gold in the Men’s Singles SL3. Sumit Antil and Dharambir added to the tally with golds in Men’s Javelin Throw F64 and Men’s Club Throw F51, respectively.

Archery saw Harvinder Singh secure gold in the Men’s Individual Recurve Open, while Navdeep Singh triumphed in the Men’s Javelin Throw F41. Suhas Yathiraj brought home silver in the Men’s Singles SL4 badminton event, and Nishad Kumar earned silver in Men’s High Jump T47.

Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi took bronze in Archery’s Mixed Team Compound Open, rounding off India’s historic campaign. Many more athletes contributed to the nation’s impressive medal count, making it a truly collective achievement for Indian para-sports.

The 2024 Paris Paralympics will be remembered as a defining chapter in India’s sporting history, inspiring future generations of athletes and reaffirming the nation’s commitment to inclusive excellence in sports.

The 2024 Paris Paralympics stand as a monumental milestone in India’s Paralympic journey, marking not only the country’s most successful performance to date but also a testament to the resilience, talent, and dedication of its para-athletes. From the humble beginnings of India’s Paralympic debut in 1968 to the record-breaking achievements in Paris, this journey has been one of remarkable growth, determination, and triumph.

The support of government initiatives like Khelo India and TOPS has played a crucial role in empowering these athletes, enabling them to break barriers and redefine India’s place on the global stage. As India continues to champion inclusivity in sports, the 2024 Games will be remembered as a defining chapter-one that inspired millions and set a new standard of excellence for the nation’s future Paralympic endeavors.

Hokato Hotozhe Sema becomes North-East’s first Paralympic medallist

On a quiet October day in 2002, a young soldier’s dreams were shattered in a heartbeat in the volatile terrain of Jammu and Kashmir’s Chowkibal. An unexpected explosion ended the ambition of Havildar Hokato Hotozhe Sema to join the Special Forces. That landmine blast during an anti-terrorist operation claimed his left leg below the knee, inflicting immense physical pain and mental trauma. Sema’s world went dark, or everyone thought so.

But for Sema, it was the beginning of an extraordinary journey of resilience, courage, and fierce determination to rebuild life – a process he went through at the Army Paralympic Node, BEG Centre in Pune. India’s Hokato Sema, landmine blast survivor, wins shot-put bronze at Paris Paralympics.

Twenty-two years later, at the swank State de France, the 40-year-old Indian shot-putter came up with his career-best throw of 14.65 metres to secure a bronze medal in the men’s F57 category at the Paralympics to swell the country’s medal haul to 29.

His rise in para-athletics has been nothing short of inspiring. He quickly distinguished himself with his sheer willpower in the F57 category, which includes athletes with limb deficiencies and impaired muscle power. Sema was encouraged by senior army officials at the Pune-based Artificial Limb Centre to take up shot put after seeing his fitness as he embraced the sport in 2016 at the age of 32.

That year, he travelled to Jaipur to compete in the National Para Athletics Championships. A silver at the Morocco Grand Prix in 2022 was followed by a bronze medal at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou.He narrowly missed a medal at the 2024 World Championships, finishing fourth. But Sema’s determination never wavered.

The defining moment came during his Paralympics debut, when he battled against a fiercely competitive field. Strapped to a throwing chair, each of his six throws was a manifestation of grit and physical strength. He touched the 14m mark on his second throw and then improved further with a heave of 14.40m.

Sema achieved his best throw in his fourth attempt, bettering his personal best to 14.49m en route to the bronze. Iran’s Yasin Khosravi, the 31-year-old two-time para world champion, clinched the top spot with a Paralympic record of 15.96m, while Brazil’s Thiago Dos Santos took the silver (15.06m).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Sema’s win a “proud moment” for the nation while hailing his incredible strength and determination. “A proud moment for our nation as Hokato Hotozhe Sema brings home the Bronze medal in Men’s Shot Put F57! His incredible strength and determination are exceptional. Congratulations to him. Best wishes for the endeavours ahead,” PM Modi wrote on X.

Sema has been supported by the Khelo India initiative and his training, boarding, and lodging were taken care of by the National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) scheme. Sema has scripted history, as the first-ever person from Nagaland to win a medal at the Olympics and first Player from North East to win a medal at the Paralympic Games.

[KULAPRADIP BHAGAWATI WAS THE FIRST JOURNALIST FROM THE NORTHEAST WHO COVERED THE THREE BIG SPORTS EVENT LIKE OLYMPIC (2012 , London), FIFA WORLD CUP (2014, Brazil) AND CRICKET WORLD CUP (2011, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2023)]

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