India’s Unprecedented Success at the 2024 Paralympics: A Record-Breaking Journey

India’s Historic Rise in Paralympic Success

“India is going to make history here.” These were the words of Devendra Jhajharia, India’s first para-athlete to win two Paralympic gold medals and now the President of the Paralympic Committee of India. His prediction, made just a day before the 2024 Paris Paralympics, was bold but proved accurate.

From just 12 medals over 48 years to an astonishing 29 in Paris, India has witnessed an extraordinary transformation in para-sports. The final tally in 2024 was nearly equal to the total number of medals won since India’s debut in the 1968 Paralympics. This outstanding performance exceeded Jhajharia’s ambitious prediction of 25 medals, solidifying India’s status as a rising powerhouse in para-sports.

The Turning Point: The Rio 2016 Paralympics

The transformation in India’s approach to para-sports began with the 2016 Rio Paralympics. India secured four medals—its best tally in 32 years—outperforming the able-bodied contingent at the Olympics that year. The success of para-athletes like Jhajharia, Mariyappan Thangavelu, Deepa Malik, and Varun Bhati brought unprecedented national attention to para-sports.

These athletes became household names, appearing on television and receiving significant cash prizes. Jhajharia was awarded over ₹1 crore, while Malik received ₹ four crore from the Haryana government. Their success inspired a new generation, including athletes like Nithya Sre Sivan, who watched the Rio Games as an 11-year-old and won a bronze medal in para-badminton at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

Role of TOPS and Khelo India in India’s Paralympic Boom

Government-backed initiatives such as the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and Khelo India played a crucial role in India’s para-sports revolution. Over 62% of India’s 84 para-athletes in Paris were supported by TOPS, which provided essential Funding for training, equipment, and international competition exposure.

For instance, javelin thrower Sumit Antil, who clinched gold in both Tokyo and Paris, and high jumper Sharad Kumar, who won bronze in Tokyo and silver in Paris, benefited immensely from TOPS. Financial support, including a ₹50,000 monthly stipend, allowed para-athletes to focus solely on their training and performance.

Khelo India also contributed significantly by launching the Khelo India Para Games in 2023. Para-shooter Mona Agarwal, who won bronze in Paris, received a ₹10,000 monthly stipend under this scheme. The immediate impact of these programs was evident in India’s record-breaking 19 medals at the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics and 111 medals at the 2023 Para Asian Games.

The Army Paralympic Node: A Game Changer

Established in 2017, the Army Paralympic Node (APN) has supported war-disabled soldiers, giving them a renewed purpose through sports. Lieutenant Colonel Gaurav Dutta, India’s first para-athlete to complete a triathlon and the officer leading the project, emphasized how sports aid in holistic rehabilitation.

Several para-athletes, including those supported by organizations like GoSports and Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ), flourished under these initiatives. OGQ, which began supporting para-athletes in 2019, played a key role in the success of stars like Avani Lekhara (India’s first woman to win and defend a Paralympic gold), Nishad Kumar, and Ajeet Singh.

Among the biggest success stories is Sheetal Devi, the world’s first armless archer. Since being scouted in 2022, she has received comprehensive support from OGQ, including equipment, coaching, and travel expenses. Her rise to becoming the world number one and winning a Paralympic bronze in the mixed event is a testament to India’s growing para-sports infrastructure.

The Path Forward: Sustained Support for Para-Athletes

While India’s para-athletes now receive cash rewards equal to those of their able-bodied counterparts₹75 lakh for gold, ₹50 lahks for silver, ₹30 lahks for bronze, and ₹22.5 lahks for mixed team events—support needs to be consistent beyond medal wins.

Hokato Sema, who won bronze in Paris, highlighted many para-athletes’ struggles. His wife made personal sacrifices, often starving, to ensure he had enough food to continue training. Following his medal win, the Nagaland government announced a ₹1.5 crore cash reward, but earlier support could have eased his hardships significantly.

Infrastructure and Policy Changes for Long-Term Growth

For sustained success, para-sports in India need better accessibility and dedicated training centers. Jhajharia has been pushing for accessible sports stadiums across 600 districts, ensuring wheelchair-friendly facilities, ramps, and accessible restrooms.

Another crucial requirement is a National Paralympic Training Centre with year-round favorable weather conditions. A structured Talent Identification and Development Plan would help scout and nurture future champions. Although the Sports Authority of India has formed committees for five para-sports, these need to be fully operational and adequately funded.

Addressing Administrative Challenges

Administrative inefficiencies in para-sports governance have also been a significant hurdle. In 2021, a last-minute venue change for the National Para Athletics Championship and inadequate facilities at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium raised concerns. Jhajharia now faces the task of ensuring smoother management within the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI).

Furthermore, badminton star Nitesh Kumar pointed out the Badminton Association of India’s lack of involvement in para-badminton, urging that it be handed over to PCI for better management.

India has made history at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, achieving its best-ever medal tally with a record-breaking 29 medals.
We're proud of the resilience, dedication, and record-breaking achievements by Team India. #ParisParalympics2024 #TeamIndia #SignatureGlobal pic.twitter.com/EoynDLC57g

— Signature Global (@signatureglobal) September 10, 2024

India’s Bright Future in Global Para-Sports

India’s para-athletes have proven that they can compete at the highest level globally with proper support. If the government, private organizations, and corporate sponsors continue to support them, India has the potential to become a dominant force in international para-sports.

By addressing infrastructural and administrative gaps, promoting grassroots development, and providing long-term financial security for para-athletes, India can ensure that the record-breaking success at the 2024 Paris Paralympics is just the beginning of an era of sustained excellence in global para-sports.