India Expands Paralympic Presence with New Sports

India will compete in para cycling, para rowing, and blind judo at the Paralympics, increasing its presence to 12 sports. The announcement was made by the Paralympic Committee of India. Notable participants include Arshad Shaikh in para cycling, Kongannapalle Narayana in para rowing, and Kokila Kaushiklate in blind judo.

India will compete in para cycling, para rowing, and blind judo at the upcoming Paralympics, extending the country's participation to 12 sports at the event beginning August 28 in Paris. The Paralympic Committee of India announced the addition on Wednesday, citing it as a testament to the growing talent and diversity among Indian Paralympians.

Arshad Shaikh from Andhra Pradesh secured his spot in para cycling with a silver medal victory in the men's elite individual time trial C2 category at the Asian Road Para Cycling Championships. Shaikh also won gold in the C2 15km scratch final at the Asian Track Cycling Championships.

Kongannapalle Narayana, another athlete from Andhra Pradesh, will represent India in para rowing. A former Indian Army soldier, Narayana lost his left leg below the knee due to a landmine explosion in Jammu and Kashmir. He earned a silver medal in the PR3 mixed doubles sculls at the 2022 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China, alongside teammate Anita.

Haryana's Kokila Kaushiklate will compete in blind judo, having secured her slot by clinching a bronze medal in the judo women's 48-kg J2 event at the 2022 Asian Para Games in Guangzhou, China. She also boasts a silver medal from the 2019 Commonwealth Judo Championships.

"The addition of three new sports to our Paralympic roster highlights the increasing depth and talent within our Paralympic community," said PCI president Devendra Jhajharia.

(With inputs from agencies.)