India Aims High with Record Contingent for Paris Paralympics

India is eyeing over 25 medals from its largest-ever contingent of 84 athletes at the upcoming Paris Paralympic Games, said PCI chief Devendra Jhajharia. Building on impressive performances at the Tokyo Paralympics and Hangzhou Asian Para Games, the contingent is set to compete in 12 sports, featuring a mix of experienced and young athletes.

India is poised to clinch over 25 medals from its largest-ever delegation of 84 athletes at the upcoming Paris Paralympic Games starting August 28, according to the chief of the country's governing body, Devendra Jhajharia.

Jhajharia, a double gold medallist in the Paralympics, emphasized that the Indian contingent aims to sustain the momentum from record-breaking performances at the Tokyo Paralympics and 2023 Hangzhou Asian Para Games. India secured 19 medals at the Tokyo Paralympics and a historic 111 medals at the Para Asian Games.

'This is the biggest para contingent India has ever sent to the Paralympics. We are very confident about the overall performance and are sure to win more than 25 medals,' Jhajharia stated at an event organized by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI).

India's representation spans 12 sports, including archery, athletics, badminton, canoeing, cycling, blind judo, powerlifting, rowing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, and taekwondo. 'Most of our athletes are in excellent shape, having trained rigorously for this event. We expect outstanding results, particularly in athletics, badminton, archery, and shooting. They are ready to make India proud,' the PCI president added.

The Indian team features a combination of seasoned and young athletes. Many are participating in their second or third Paralympics. Among them is Amit Kumar Saroha, competing in his fourth Paralympics in the F51 category discus throw, while 17-year-old archer Sheetal Devi, who uses her legs to shoot, recently garnered attention with gold medals in archery at the 2023 Asian Para Games. Additionally, 100 Sports Management Private Limited has secured exclusive broadcasting and digital media rights for the Paris Paralympics in India.