India's Para-Athletes Make History in Paris with Record Medal Haul

India's para-athletes surpassed their previous record by securing 21 medals in the Paris 2024 Paralympics. The success includes multiple podium finishes in athletics, continuing the nation's impressive performance from the Tokyo edition. Bhavina Patel's journey ended in the quarter-finals of women's singles table tennis.

India's para-athletes made history in Paris, surpassing their highest medal tally from the Tokyo edition of the Paralympics by securing a record 21 medals.

Bhavina Patel, who won a silver in Tokyo, was knocked out in the quarter-final stage of the women's singles table tennis WS class 4, losing to China's Ying Zhou 1-3.

On Monday and Tuesday, the Indian contingent bagged 13 medals, bringing their total to 20, featuring three gold, seven silver, and 10 bronze medals. Their previous best was 19 medals, including five gold, eight silver, and six bronze in Tokyo.

India dominated in athletics with double podium finishes. Mariyappan settled for bronze with a leap of 1.85m in the men's high jump T6 final, while Sharad Kumar took silver with a 1.88m leap. Ajeet claimed silver with a personal best throw of 65.62m, and Sundar secured bronze with a season-best throw of 64.96m. Guillermo from Cuba topped the podium with a 66.14m effort.

This year marks India's largest Paralympics contingent, with 84 athletes across 12 sports, reflecting the country's expanding para-sports ecosystem and raising high medal hopes for the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

(With inputs from agencies.)