Hopes are high for Indian para-athletes
As the largest-ever Indian contingent of 84 para-athletes heads to the Paris Paralympics, expectations are high. The team aims to surpass the record 19 medals won at the Tokyo Paralympics. The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) has set its sights on at least 25 medals, a historic achievement for Indian para-sports.
India’s journey in para-sports has been gradual. With a total of 31 Paralympic medals, 19 were earned at the Tokyo Games. Now, India is poised to establish itself as a significant force in para-sports, with athletes competing in new events like para sailing, blind judo, and para cycling. The contingent includes many Tokyo medallists and 47 promising newcomers eager to shine on the global stage.
The turnaround for Indian para-sports began in 2016, when India matched its best-ever haul of four medals. This success was furthered at Tokyo 2020, where Indian para-athletes won 19 medals. The growth of Indian para-sports is attributed to the grit and determination of athletes, along with increasing support from the government and private sector.
Rimo Saha, an Indian para-swimmer associated with Shrachi Sports, noted, “The Indian government and various private players are now supporting the training of para-athletes. Training infrastructure has also improved in India.” Government initiatives like Khelo India and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme, which focus on para-sports, have significantly contributed to this progress.
The PCI, under the leadership of star para-athlete Devendra Jhajharia, has played a crucial role in developing and nurturing para-athletes. The PCI has also facilitated private sector involvement through sponsorships. Rahul Todi, Managing Director of Shrachi Sports, a key PCI sponsor, said, “We are pleased to see private players supporting para-sports. The achievements of our para-athletes in Tokyo were remarkable, and we are honoured to support their Paris campaign.”
In 2023, the Indian government inaugurated the Atal Bihari Training Centre for Disability Sports in Gwalior to ensure equal opportunities, enhance talent, and promote participation in various sports. The Khelo India Para Games in New Delhi last year was another step towards providing equal opportunities for para-athletes. Additionally, the government has announced the inclusion of 200 para-sport athletes, including 97 women, for the 2024-25 period across 10 disciplines in the SAI National Centres of Excellence.
By Saptarshi Deb
The author is a journalist based in Kolkata.
Shrachi Group | Rahul Todi | Amitava Bhattacharya | Paralympic Committee of India
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