| In shorts |
| India’s largest-ever Paralympics team aims for a record 25 medals in Paris. |
| Sumit Antil and Bhagyashree Jadhav lead the Indian contingent as flag bearers. |
| Avani Lekhara and Sheetal Devi are key athletes to watch for potential golds. |
| The shooting team skips the opening ceremony to focus on upcoming events. |
| India’s para badminton team aims to win multiple gold medals despite challenges. |
India’s Paralympics Team Eyes Record Medal Haul in Paris
As the Paralympics in Paris get underway, India is sending a record team of 84 athletes. Among them are several medal contenders. These are special games as the opening ceremony takes place outside of a regular stadium for the very first time, on the famous Champs-Elysees in Paris. But some important athletes, like the whole shooting team, will not go to the ceremony so they can prepare for their events.
Historic Opening Ceremony Without Key Athletes
Over 100 members from India, including 52 athletes, will be part of the parade of various contingents on the occasion of the opening ceremony of the Paris Paralympics. However, athletes who were scheduled to compete will not join the parade done a day before, like the shooting team led by Tokyo gold medalist Avani Lekhara, to keep their focus and energy. This made a choice on how important and serious India’s effort was in going for a record number of medals.
Flag Bearers Leading the Charge
Javelin thrower Sumit Antil, along with shot put athlete Bhagyashree Jadhav, will be the flag bearers together for India. Antil has consistently been breaking world records after winning gold in the F64 category for javelin throw earlier and is very likely to perform well again. Bhagyashree Jadhav, who competes in shot put F34, is equally strong and showcases the spirit of the Indian Paralympics team for sure.
Key Athletes to Watch
Avani Lekhara: A star in shooting. She won several medals at the Tokyo Paralympics, including a gold medal in the 10m air rifle SH1 category. She will be very important for India. Lekhara shoots from a wheelchair and has set high goals for herself as she competes in France.
Sumit Antil: Antil started as a young wrestler and became a world record javelin thrower. His season’s best is 73.29m, and he aims to retain the title and improve in his sport.
Sheetal Devi: Sheetal Devi is an archer and has marked her first Paralympic appearance. All eyes caught notice of the special way she shoots arrows, using her leg, shoulder, and jaw. Sheetal was born with Phocomelia and her story is that of overcoming big challenges to make history in para archery.
Rising Expectations in Para Badminton
India’s para badminton team fared spectacularly in the Tokyo Paralympics, winning four medals. They are prepared to do an even better job at Paris. The suspension of its star player Pramod Bhagat notwithstanding, the team is confident. Chief coach Gaurav Khanna believes the team can now win eight to ten medals, including several golds.
India’s Ambitious Medal Target
India is aiming high in Paris, aspiring for a record 25 medals, with no less than ten golds. That speaks to the rising might of the country in para sports, amply supported by the rigourous preparation and success of its athletes in events such as the double javelin gold medallist Devendra Jhajharia before Neeraj Chopra’s Olympic gold.
Powering their way over the next fortnight, Indian athletes at the Paralympics are all set to inspire the nation with scintillating performances in keeping with their upward graph. It is not about winning alone but a number of other parameters like resilience, dedication, and the spirit of sportsmanship on the global platform.
For Latest News Updates, Click Here.