The Indian contingent finished their 2024 World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan with 17 medals. India was placed sixth in the overall medal tally. The Indian team won a total of six gold medals, five silver medals, and six bronze medals to register their best-ever performance at the World Para Athletics Championships. The previous record for India stood at 10 medals, which included three gold medals, at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships in Paris. China finished as the most successful country in the competition this year with a total of 87 medals.
Some Incredible Victories by Indian Para Athletes are described below:
Indian Para Athlete Smashes World Record
Twenty-year-old Deepthi Jeevanji from Telangana, has created history at the World Para Athletics Championships. With a time of 55.07 seconds, she won gold in the women’s 400m T20 event, smashing the previous record. She has also qualified for the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
The T20 category is meant for athletes with intellectual impairment.
Sprinter Simran Sharma Wins Gold
Simran Sharma won the gold medal in women’s 200m T12 event with a personal best time of 24.95 seconds on the final day of competitions. Her remarkable performance saw her improve her previous best of 25.16 seconds to win the gold.
The T12 category is meant for athletes who have vision impairment.
Spectacular Performance by Mariyappan Thangavelu
Two-time Paralympics medallist Mariyappan Thangavelu won his maiden gold medal at the World Para Athletics Championships by leaping 1.88m in the men’s T63 high jump event. The mark also helped him breach the championships record, which was held by Sharad Kumar at 1.83m.
The T63 category is meant for athletes with a leg amputation, who compete with prosthetics in a standing position.
India’s other gold medal winners were Sumit Antil (Men’s Javelin Throw F64), Sachin Khilari (Men’s Shot Put F46), and Ekta Bhyana (Women’s Club Throw F51)
Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal has announced his retirement from professional tennis. He is 38-years-old. Rafael Nadal’s final tournament will be the Davis Cup finals this November in Malaga.
He has won 22 Grand Slam singles titles, including a record 14 French Open titles. He is often referred to as the “King of Clay” due to his dominance on clay courts, particularly at the French Open. Rafael Nadal won a gold medal in men’s singles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and also won a gold medal in doubles in 2016 Rio Olympics.
Rafael Nadal plays with his left hand, which is quite rare in tennis. This gives him a unique playing style!
Diana Pundole, a teacher and mother from Pune, has made history as the first Indian woman to win the national championship in the saloon category at the MRF Indian National Car Racing Championship 2024 held in Chennai.
Her achievement is especially notable as it comes in a sport traditionally dominated by men, highlighting her determination and skill despite numerous challenges.
This historic victory is a testament to Avani’s tireless efforts, dedication, and passion for the sport. Her achievement will undoubtedly pave the way for future generations of Para athletes, leaving an indelible legacy in the world of sports.
In a groundbreaking moment for Indian sports, the country has announced its largest-ever contingent for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, scheduled to take place from August 28 to September 8. A staggering 84 athletes will represent India, surpassing the previous record of 54 athletes sent to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
R4 – Mixed 10m air rifle standing, R5 – Mixed 10m air rifle prone
SH2
79
Mahavir Unhalkar
Para Shooting
R1 – Men’s 10m air rifle standing
SH1
80
Rubina Francis
Para Shooting
P2 – Women’s 10m air pistol
SH1
81
Suyash Jadhav
Para Swimming
Men’s 50m butterfly
S7
82
Sonalben Patel
Para Table Tennis
Women’s singles – WS3, Women’s doubles – WD10
3
83
Bhavinaben Patel
Para Table Tennis
Women’s singles – WS4, Women’s doubles – WD10
4
84
Aruna
Para Taekwondo
Women 47kg
K44
The Indian Paralympic contingent’s historic size and scope are a promising sign for the country’s growing presence in the international sports arena. As these talented athletes prepare to take the stage in Paris, we can’t help but feel a sense of pride and excitement for what’s to come.
