World Disability Day 2024: Para-athletes who made India proud at Paris Paralympics 2024

The 2024 Paris Paralympics was the best performance by an Indian contingent in Paralympics history. Team India returned home from the French capital with a record haul of 29 medals—7 gold, 9 silver, and 13 bronze—exceeding the 25-medal target set by Devendra Jhajharia, the President of the Paralympic Committee of India.

As the world marks Disability Day on December 3, here is a look at some of the standout performers for India at the Paris Paralympics 2024.

Avani Lekhara

At Paris 2024, Avani Lekhara became the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic gold medal. She also became the first Indian to win multiple medals in Paralympic shooting, securing gold medals in both Tokyo and Paris.

CREDIT: ANI

Mariyappan Thangavelu

Mariyappan Thangavelu, considered one of the best para-athletes India has ever produced, returned from Paris with a bronze medal in the high jump. Thangavelu was a gold medallist in Rio 2016 and won silver in Tokyo 2020.

CREDIT: ANI

Sheetal Devi

Sheetal Devi became the youngest Indian para-athlete to win a Paralympic medal at Paris 2024. She made history by winning a bronze medal in the mixed team compound event at the age of 17 years, 7 months, and 23 days.

CREDIT: ANI

Preethi Pal

Preethi Pal was the first Indian para-athlete to win a medal for her country in athletics competitions at the Paris Paralympics. She clinched a bronze medal in the Women's 100m - T35 Final.

CREDIT: ANI

Harvinder Singh

Harvinder Singh from Haryana scripted history at the Paris Paralympics 2024 by becoming the first para-archer to win a gold medal for India. Harvinder is also a Tokyo Paralympics bronze medallist, which was India's first medal in Paralympic archery.

CREDIT: ANI

Sumit Antil

Sumit Antil became only the third Indian to win two Paralympic golds when he successfully defended his Tokyo 2020 medal in the F64 category men's javelin throw at Paris.

CREIT: ANI

Suhas Yathiraj

IAS officer Suhas Yathiraj, one of the top para-badminton players in the world, defended his silver medal from Tokyo 2020 in the Men's Singles SL4 category at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

Credit: REUTERS

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