Indian Athletes Shine at Paris Paralympics with Four Early Medals, Largest Contingent Ever

Nita Ambani congratulates Indian Paralympians Avani Lekhara, Mona Agarwal, Preethi Pal, and Manish Narwal for their remarkable achievements at the Paris Paralympics. India bagged four medals early on, highlighting the country’s expanding para-sports ecosystem and aiming to surpass previous records from Tokyo 2020.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) member and chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, Nita Ambani, congratulated Avani Lekhara, Mona Agarwal, Preethi Pal, and Manish Narwal for winning medals at the ongoing Paris Paralympics on Friday. Avani Lekhara, the reigning Paralympic champion, secured gold in the women's 10m air rifle final. Shooter Mona Agarwal bagged the bronze medal in the same event.

Ambani expressed immense pride in the athletes, praising their "strength, spirit, and skill" as a source of inspiration for the entire nation. She extended her heartfelt congratulations, noting that their achievements fill every Indian's heart with immense joy and kick-start India's Paralympic campaign with pride. "More power to all our athletes and best wishes for the Games ahead! Jai Hind!" she added.

Preethi Pal clinched the bronze medal in the 100m T35 event, clocking in at 14.21 seconds. Manish Narwal won silver in the men's 10m air pistol SH1 event with a score of 234.9 points, despite a mid-match slump to the sixth position. His resilience secured him the runner-up spot.

India's Paralympic campaign has begun on a high note with a total of four medals in the early stages. The nation has sent its largest-ever Paralympics contingent, featuring 84 athletes across 12 sports, demonstrating the expanding para-sports ecosystem. India hopes to build on its record-breaking 19-medal haul from Tokyo 2020.

(With inputs from agencies.)