India Eyes Gold: Record Contingent for Paris Paralympics 2024

India's para-athletics team gears up for the Paris Paralympics 2024, aiming for 10 medals, including five golds. The contingent, featuring 84 athletes, marks the largest ever sent by the country. Key athletes are set to compete in 22 sports, with a strong focus on winning gold.

With the Paris Paralympics 2024 looming, India's para-athletics head coach Satyanarayana has expressed optimism, targeting 10 medals, including at least five golds. India's contingent has expanded to 84 athletes, including 32 women, marking the largest team ever sent by the nation to the Paralympic Games.

The upcoming Paralympics, scheduled from August 28 to September 8, has the team focused on gold. 'Our primary goal is to convert previous silver and bronze medals into gold. The athletes have undergone intensive training and are showing immense dedication,' said Satyanarayana. The events will take place from August 30 to September 8 at the Stade de France.

Among the gold hopefuls are Sumit Antil (Men's Javelin F64), Mariyappan Thangavelu (Men's High Jump T42), Deepthi Jeevanji (Women's 400m T20), Sachin Khilari (Men's Shot Put F46), Ekta Bhyan (Women's Club Throw F52), and Simran Sharma (Women's 200m T12). Adding to the competition, India will participate in three new sports - para-cycling, para-rowing, and blind judo. Overall, the 2024 Paris Paralympics will feature 22 sports.

India's previous success at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics brought home 19 medals, including five golds, showcasing the country's growing prowess in para-athletics.

(With inputs from agencies.)