In the global sports arena, India’s journey through the Paralympics has been nothing short of extraordinary. What began as a silver medal at the 2012 London Paralympics has turned into a remarkable parade of achievements, culminating in an impressive haul of 29 medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. This leap from just one medal at London to a strong presence on the global stage marks a significant shift in India’s approach to para sports.
Turning Point: 2012 and beyond
India’s only medal at the 2012 Paralympics came through Girisha Hosanagara Nagarajegowda, who won a silver in the men’s high jump. The moment was not only a personal triumph for Nagarajegowda but also a ray of hope for the country, highlighting the potential within Indian para athletes. However, it also raised questions about India’s commitment to supporting athletes with disabilities and its overall approach to para sports.
The Indian sporting landscape underwent a significant shift after London 2012. The 2016 Rio Paralympics saw India’s medal tally rise to four, which was a promising start. But at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, India achieved a major breakthrough by winning 20 medals. The momentum continued in Paris as well, where the country put up its best-ever performance with 29 medals.
Success Factors
Several factors have contributed to this meteoric rise in performance.
Government support and schemes: Government initiatives such as the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) have played a key role in nurturing and supporting para athletes. These programmes focus on identifying and promoting young talent, providing them with the necessary resources to excel on the international stage.
Corporate sponsorship and investments: Corporate entities and private entities such as Olympic Gold Quest have come forward to support para athletes. These partnerships have helped provide financial support, world-class equipment, and professional coaching, leading to a significant increase in the training and performance of athletes.
Increased awareness and participation: There has been a significant increase in the number of participants in para sports. Gaurav Khanna, chief coach of the Indian para badminton team, informed that the number of athletes at the national camp has grown from 50 in 2015 to 1,000 today. This growth is attributed to a change in public perception and the increased visibility of para sports.
Key achievements at Paris 2024
The Paris 2024 Paralympics was a showcase of India’s growing strength in para sports. Some of the notable moments were as follows:
Sheetal Devi: Competing without hands, Devi won the bronze medal in mixed compound archery along with her partner Rakesh Kumar. Their story of overcoming adversity has inspired many and highlighted the potential of athletes with disabilities.
Navdeep Singh: Singh created history with a record throw of 47.32m in javelin throw, winning the gold medal in the F41 category for short-statured athletes.
Yogesh Kathuniya: Kathuniya won a silver medal in men’s discus throw, further strengthening India’s prowess in field events.
Harvinder Singh: Singh achieved a historic feat by winning India’s first gold medal in para archery, showing the country’s growing potential in this discipline.
Role of technology and infrastructure
Technological advancements have significantly impacted the performance of para athletes. Access to high-quality equipment tailored to specific disabilities has transformed training and competition. Khanna emphasises that the availability of such specialised equipment has revolutionised the sector, allowing athletes to compete at their best.
Challenges remain, however. Despite the progress, India still faces significant barriers in terms of infrastructure and facilities for para athletes. Many public places lack basic accessibility facilities, and grassroots facilities for para sports are underdeveloped. Coaches and activists are demanding improvements in training infrastructure and better access to resources, especially in remote areas.
Changing attitudes and future prospects
India’s rise in Paralympic success has been accompanied by a change in societal attitudes towards disability. Disability rights activist Nipun Malhotra said families are increasingly supportive of children with disabilities participating in sports, which has an impact on a positive attitude towards disability in society.
Social media has played a key role in connecting para athletes with the public, giving them a chance to share their stories and gain recognition. Athletes like Sheetal Devi have become household names and their success has encouraged many to view para sports as a legitimate and respected field.
The way forward
While India’s achievements at the Paralympics are commendable, there is still work to be done. The country must continue to invest in para sports infrastructure, train more specialist coaches and improve access for people with disabilities. Success of Indian para athletes