Indian Para-Athletes Shine at Paris Paralympics, Eye More Medals

Indian para-shuttler Nithya Sre advances to knockout stages at Paris Paralympics. While some athletes faced setbacks, overall, India has secured a total of five medals. Avani Lekhara continued her winning streak, securing gold in women's 10m air rifle. India's largest-ever Paralympics contingent continues to aim high.

Indian para-shuttler Nithya Sre has advanced to the knockout stages of the women's singles competition at the ongoing Paris Paralympics on Sunday. Nithya, competing in the SH6 women's category in Group A, lost to China's Lin Shuangbao by 20-22, 18-21 in a close match. Despite this defeat, her previous victories propelled her to the quarterfinals with a commendable four points.

In the men's singles competition, Sivarajan Solaimalai faced defeat against Great Britain's Krysten Coombs. Sivarajan, placed in Group A of the SH6 category, lost 12-21, 10-21, concluding his tournament run with three losses. Krishna Nagar, India's gold medalist from Tokyo 2020, also suffered a loss against Thailand's Nattapong Meechai by 20-22, 3-11 (retired), thereby exiting the medal race.

So far, India has bagged a total of five medals at the Paris Paralympics, including one gold, one silver, and three bronze. Rubina clinched a bronze in the P2-Women's 10M Air Pistol SH-1 final with a score of 211.1 points. Iran's Javanmardi Sareh won gold (236.8 points), while Turkey's Ozgan Aysel took silver (231.1 points).

On Friday, reigning Paralympic champion Avani Lekhara secured gold in the women's 10m air rifle final, continuing her dominance with a personal best of 249.7 points. Shooter Mona Agarwal nabbed a bronze in the same event. South Korea's Yunri Lee earned silver with 246.8 points, and India's Mona Agarwal totaled 228.7 points for bronze. The silver medal for India came from Manish Narwal in the men's P1 10m air pistol SH1 event.

Athlete Preethi Pal attained a bronze in the women's T35 100m race, clocking a personal best of 14.21 seconds. This year's Paralympics sees India sending its largest contingent ever, with 84 athletes across 12 sports, highlighting the growing para-sports ecosystem. The Paris 2024 Paralympics showcases not only increased participation from India but also heightened medal aspirations, hoping to surpass the 19-medal haul from Tokyo 2020.

(With inputs from agencies.)