India Shines at Paralympics: Record Medal Haul and Future Ambitions

Sports Minister Mandaviya praised the Indian contingent for achieving the nation's best-ever medal haul with 24 podium finishes in Paris. Women's 400m T20 bronze medalist Deepthi Jeevanji was felicitated. Deepthi, a world champion, added a bronze to her Tokyo silver, despite being a strong gold contender.

Sports Minister Mandaviya on Thursday lauded the Indian contingent for achieving the country's best-ever medal haul, expressing hope for more medals in the remaining Paralympics days.

With 24 podium finishes in Paris, India has surpassed its previous best of 19 medals from the Tokyo edition.

Mandaviya personally congratulated women's 400m T20 bronze medalist Deepthi Jeevanji, a world champion, who was expected to secure a gold medal. The 20-year-old, born to daily-wage labourer parents in Telangana, couldn't deliver her best in the final, adding a bronze to her Tokyo silver in the T20 category for athletes with intellectual impairment.

''I did well but in the final I could not give my best, hence the bronze,'' shared Deepthi. ''The players have shown their skill and made the country proud,'' Mandaviya added.

(With inputs from agencies.)