New Delhi: As the Paris Paralympics 2024 kick off, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his heartfelt wishes to the Indian athletes representing the country. In a message shared on social media platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister expressed his admiration for the courage and determination of the Paralympians, calling them a source of inspiration for the entire nation. “140 crore Indians wish our contingent all the best at Paris Paralympics 2024,” he wrote, adding that the whole country is eagerly awaiting their success. Using the hashtag ‘Cheer4Bharat,’ PM Modi emphasized the excitement and pride that these athletes bring to India.
India’s Largest Paralympic Contingent Ever
For the Paris Paralympics 2024, India has sent its largest contingent in history, comprising 84 athletes competing across 12 different sports. This includes 46 male and 38 female athletes, a significant increase from the 50 athletes (40 men and 14 women) who participated in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. In Tokyo, India had an outstanding performance, securing a record 19 medals. Building on this success, the country now hopes to surpass this achievement in Paris, particularly with the introduction of three new sports—para cycling, para rowing, and blind judo.
A Team in Top Form
India’s para-athletes have shown exceptional form in recent international competitions. The para-athletics team, which consists of 38 participants, is particularly strong and is expected to bring home several medals. Their performance in the past year has been stellar, with India winning a record 111 medals, including 29 golds, at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games. Additionally, in May, India clinched 17 medals at the World Para Athletics Championships, including six golds. Many of the athletes who shined at these events are part of the Paralympic team, further boosting India’s chances of a remarkable showing in Paris.
New Sports and Greater Aspirations
The inclusion of para cycling, para rowing, and blind judo in this year’s Paralympics marks a significant step for Indian sports. These new disciplines offer additional opportunities for Indian athletes to demonstrate their skills on the world stage. The hope is that this diverse participation will contribute to an unprecedented medal tally for India, further elevating the nation’s status in international para sports.
As the Paralympics unfold, the entire country stands behind its athletes, cheering for their success and celebrating their journey. The spirit of ‘Cheer4Bharat’ resonates across the nation, reflecting the pride and anticipation felt by millions of Indians as they watch their heroes compete in Paris.
