India Celebrates Historic Paralympic Achievements with Grand Homecoming

Indian para-athletes received a hero's welcome as they returned from the Paris Paralympics, where they registered the country's best-ever performance. With 27 medals, including six gold, they have made the nation proud. Families expressed immense pride and gratitude for the support received.

The excitement is palpable as Indian para-athletes return home from the Paris Paralympics, greeted with a grand celebration by their families. Recognized for registering India's best-ever performance at the event, their homecoming has turned into a moment of national pride.

Among the stars is Paralympic silver medallist Manish Narwal. His mother, Santosh Narwal, expressed heartfelt gratitude on Saturday, thanking everyone for supporting her son during the Paralympics. 'I am very happy and proud. Manish won the silver medal for the nation,' she said.

Manish's father, Dilbagh Narwal, echoed similar sentiments. 'The entire nation has supported him. I am immensely proud that my son has brought home a silver medal,' Dilbagh added. Manish secured second place with 234.9 points in the men's 10m air pistol SH1 category, overcoming a mid-match setback to finish strong.

Meanwhile, Sheetal Devi's coach Kuldeep praised the para-archer for making history by winning India's first medal in compound archery at the Paralympics. 'Sheetal has brought glory to the country. Her achievements make us all proud,' he stated.

The Indian archery duo of Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi also clinched a bronze medal in the Mixed Team Compound event, narrowly defeating Italy's Eleonora Sarti and Matteo Bonnacina with a scoreline of 156-155.

Kiran Agarwal, mother of bronze medallist shooter Mona Agarwal, shared her joy and pride. 'Mona made the entire nation proud with her hard work,' Kiran said, after Mona secured third place in the women's 10m air rifle final.

India's medal tally at the ongoing Paralympics has soared to 27, including six gold, nine silver, and twelve bronze medals. This marks the highest number of gold medals India has ever won at a Paralympic Games, surpassing the five gold medals achieved in Tokyo 2020.

(With inputs from agencies.)