India has made a significant mark in the history of the Paralympics, thanks to Kapil Parmar, who became the first Indian para-athlete to win a medal in Judo at the Paris Paralympics 2024. Kapil’s incredible performance in the Men’s 60 kg J1 category not only brought home a bronze medal but also set a historic record for the nation. He defeated Brazil’s Elielton Deoliveira in just 33 seconds, making his win even more special.
Kapil Parmar’s Journey to Bronze Glory
Kapil Parmar’s journey to this achievement has been full of challenges. Despite having poor eyesight due to an electric shock in his childhood, Kapil did not let his disability hold him back. His vision worsened over time, but his determination to excel in Judo grew stronger. Kapil, who started his Judo career in 2017, trained rigorously to reach the world stage.
A 33-Second Stunner
Kapil’s bronze medal win was nothing short of spectacular. In the quarterfinals, he defeated Venezuela’s Marcos Blanco 10-0, easily advancing to the semi-finals. Unfortunately, he lost in the semi-final to Iran’s Banitaba Khorram. Despite this setback, Kapil’s focus remained strong, and in the bronze medal match, he crushed his Brazilian opponent 10-0 in just 33 seconds, securing his place in the history books.
Kapil’s Other Achievements
Kapil’s bronze medal in Paris is just one of his many achievements in Judo. In 2022, he won a silver medal at the Para Asian Games held in Hangzhou. He also claimed gold at the IBSA Judo Grand Prix in Alexandria earlier this year, along with a bronze medal at the World Championship. Kapil’s dedication and hard work have consistently brought him success on the international stage, making him one of India’s top para-athletes.
India’s Medal Count Soars at the Paris Paralympics
Kapil’s bronze medal adds to India’s impressive tally at the Paris Paralympics 2024. This is India’s 25th medal, with a total of 5 gold, 9 silver, and now 11 bronze. This milestone has pushed India to the 14th position in the overall medal tally, surpassing the 19 medals won at the Tokyo Paralympics. With several events still left, India’s medal count is expected to rise even further.
