What Is India's Final Medal Tally At Paris Paralympics 2024?

India's participation in the Paris 2024 Paralympics has marked a watershed moment in the nation’s sporting history. With a record-breaking 29 medals—seven gold, nine silver, and 13 bronze—India has concluded its most successful Paralympic campaign ever. Securing the 18th position in the overall medals table, this achievement not only surpasses the nation's previous records but also highlights India's rising prominence in the global para-sports arena.

A Glorious Campaign

The Paris Games have been nothing short of spectacular for India, with athletes showcasing unparalleled determination and skill across a multitude of events. The campaign concluded with a dramatic finish as Pooja Ojha missed out on the women’s kayak 200m final, but the overall performance has been a cause for celebration.

Standout Performances

Among the many highlights of India's campaign was Navdeep Singh’s dramatic turn of events in the men's javelin throw F41. Originally clinching silver with a throw of 47.32m, Navdeep's medal was upgraded to gold following the disqualification of Iran's Beit Sadegh for a code of conduct violation. This victory was particularly sweet for Navdeep, who had missed out on a podium finish at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

The track-and-field events were a goldmine for India, contributing a significant 17 medals to the overall tally. Preethi Pal etched her name in the annals of history by becoming the first Indian woman to medal in athletics, securing bronze in both the 100m and 200m (T35) sprints. Similarly, Sumit Antil dominated the men’s javelin throw F64, defending his title and breaking world records along the way.

Historic Achievements in Other Sports

In shooting, Avani Lekhara successfully defended her Tokyo 2020 title in the women's 10m air rifle standing SH1, adding another gold to her illustrious career. The para-badminton arena saw Thulasimathi Murugesan make history as the first Indian woman to win a medal, securing silver in the women’s singles SU5. The Indian women's para-shuttlers also contributed three more medals, marking their first-ever Paralympic podium finishes.

Archery saw historic moments as well, with Harvinder Singh becoming India's first Paralympic gold medallist in archery. The young prodigy Sheetal Devi, at just 17 years old, won bronze in the mixed team compound open event, making her the youngest Indian Paralympic medallist.

The Road Ahead

India's stellar performance in Paris is not just a culmination of years of hard work and dedication but also a beacon of hope for future Paralympians. With a diverse range of disciplines contributing to this historic tally, the future of Indian para-sports looks incredibly bright. The achievements in Paris set a new standard and are expected to propel the country towards even greater success in the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

Record-Breaking Performances: Key Medalists

Avani Lekhara: Gold in Women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1
Sumit Antil: Gold in Men’s Javelin Throw F64
Harvinder Singh: Gold in Men’s Individual Recurve Open
Navdeep Singh: Gold in Men’s Javelin Throw F41
Thulasimathi Murugesan: Silver in Women’s Singles SU5

India's remarkable performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympics underscores the nation's growing prowess in para-sports and sets a high bar for future athletes. As the country celebrates this unprecedented success, the impact of these achievements will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of athletes to reach for the stars.