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The Paris Paralympic Games will kick off with the opening ceremony on August 28, igniting a fierce battle for glory among top athletes from around the world. India, with its largest-ever contingent of 84 athletes participating across 12 sports disciplines, is gearing up to outshine its previous outstanding performance at the Paralympics.
India’s Golden Aspirants at Paris Paralympics 2024:
- Sumit Antil: The reigning Javelin champion, whose exceptional skills led to breaking the world record three times in the last Paralympics, aims to defend his gold in the F64 event. With a remarkable throw of 73.29m, Antil holds the world record and is a two-time world champion.
- Sheetal Devi: A pioneer in archery, Sheetal competes without arms, making her a standout figure in the sporting world. Her stellar performances, including two gold medals in the Para Asian Games 2022, mark her as a strong medal hopeful for India.
- Avani Lekhara: The trailblazing shooter, who created history by clinching India’s first Paralympic gold in the R2 10m air rifle standing SH1 event in Tokyo, holds a strong position as a medal contender at Paris 2024. Her multiple medals at the previous Games demonstrate her unparalleled talent and determination.
- Bhavinaben Patel: Setting milestones in table tennis, Bhavinaben secured India’s first Paralympic medal in the women’s singles class 4 with a silver in the last edition. Her triumphs at the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games further establish her as a significant contender for victory.
- Krishna Nagar: The badminton ace, currently holding the title of world champion, is focused on defending his Tokyo gold in the Men’s Singles SH6 category. Nagar’s exceptional skills and consistent performance make him a formidable force to reckon with at the upcoming Paralympics.
- Yogesh Kathuniya: After securing a silver medal in the Men’s Discus Throw – F56 category at the Tokyo Games, Yogesh now eyes the prestigious gold in Paris. His quest to elevate the color of his medal highlights his determination and readiness to conquer new heights at the Paralympics.
The stage is set, and the anticipation is high as these elite Indian athletes gear up to showcase their prowess and resilience on the global platform of the Paris Paralympics 2024. Stay tuned as India’s medal journey unfolds amidst fierce competition and unwavering determination.