The Paralympics is a special sporting event for athletes with disabilities. These athletes have different challenges, such as not being able to see, walk, or use their arms, but they are still very strong and talented. They compete in sports like swimming, running, basketball, and many more, just like in the Olympics. The Paralympics 2024 will take place in Paris, France, from August 28 to September 8, 2024.
India has a special place in the Paralympics 2024 because many Indian athletes participate and win medals, making their country proud. Let’s learn more about the Paralympics and how India participates in this amazing event.
What are the Paralympics?
The Paralympics are international sports competitions for athletes with disabilities. The word “Paralympics” comes from the Greek word “para,” which implies “close to,” and “Olympics.” This implies the Paralympics are held nearby the Olympics. This means the Paralympics are held alongside the Olympics. They happen every four years, just like the Olympics, but the athletes who compete in the Paralympics have physical disabilities, like not being able to see, walk, or move their arms.
History of the Paralympics
The Paralympics began after World War II, when many soldiers were injured and lost the use of their legs or other body parts. A doctor named Sir Ludwig Guttmann wanted to help these soldiers feel strong and happy again. He started a sports competition for them in 1948, in England. This was the start of the Paralympic Games.
The first official Paralympic Games were held in Rome, Italy, in 1960. At that time, 400 athletes from 23 countries competed. Since then, the Paralympics have grown a lot. Now, thousands of athletes from over 100 countries participate. The Paralympics are as big and important as the Olympics.
Sports in the Paralympics
There are many sports in the Paralympics 2024, just like in the Olympics. Some of these sports include:
- Athletics (Running, Jumping, and Throwing): Athletes with different disabilities compete in running races, long jump, high jump, and throwing events like javelin and shot put.
- Swimming: Swimmers with disabilities race in the pool, using different techniques depending on their abilities.
- Wheelchair Basketball: This is similar to regular basketball, but players use wheelchairs to move around the court.
- Wheelchair Tennis: Tennis is played with special rules for athletes in wheelchairs.
- Powerlifting: Athletes with disabilities lift heavy weights in this strength sport.
- Table Tennis: Athletes compete in table tennis using their unique skills.
- Archery: Athletes use bows and arrows to hit targets, just like in the Olympics.
- Cycling: Athletes with disabilities race on bikes, handcycles, or tricycles, depending on their needs.
There are many other sports in the Paralympics 2024, each adapted to suit athletes with different abilities.
How Athletes Qualify for the Paralympics 2024
To compete in the Paralympics, athletes must first qualify by participating in competitions and showing that they are among the best in their sport. These competitions are held all around the world, and athletes work very hard to win and qualify. They train for many hours every day, just like Olympic athletes.
India and the Paralympics 2024
India has been participating in the Paralympics since 1968. Indian athletes have won several medals in different sports, making their country proud. Some of the popular Indian Paralympic athletes include:
- Murlikant Petkar: He was the first Indian to win a gold medal in the Paralympics in 1972 in swimming.
- Devendra Jhajharia: He is a javelin thrower who has won two gold medals, one in 2004 and another in 2016.
- Mariyappan Thangavelu: He won a gold medal in high jump in the 2016 Paralympics.
- Deepa Malik: She won a silver medal in shot put in 2016, becoming the first Indian woman to win a medal in the Paralympics.
India’s athletes train very hard, and many of them come from small towns and villages. Despite facing many challenges, they never give up and always try their best.
How India Prepares for the Paralympics 2024
India’s preparation for the Paralympics involves a lot of hard work and planning. Athletes train in special centers where they have coaches and equipment to help them get better. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) and other organizations support these athletes by providing facilities, coaching, and financial help.
Athletes follow strict diets, exercise routines, and practice every day. They also work with doctors and physiotherapists to stay healthy and recover from injuries.
Challenges Faced by Indian Paralympians
Indian Paralympians face many challenges, such as lack of facilities, financial support, and recognition. Many athletes come from poor backgrounds and have to overcome a lot of difficulties to train and compete. Despite these challenges, they work very hard and bring glory to the nation.
How India Can Support Its Paralympians
To help Indian Paralympians do even better, India can:
- Provide Better Facilities: More sports centers and facilities for disabled athletes can help them train better.
- Financial Support: Giving more financial support to athletes can help them focus on their training without worrying about money.
- Recognition: Recognizing and celebrating the achievements of Paralympic athletes can inspire more people to support and join Paralympic sports.
- Awareness: Educating people about the Paralympics and the achievements of these athletes can help change attitudes towards people with disabilities.
Formation of India and Its Role in the Paralympics
India is a country in South Asia, known for its rich history, diverse culture, and beautiful landscapes. India became independent from British rule on August 15, 1947. After independence, India faced many challenges but worked hard to become a strong and vibrant nation.
The Indian flag, known as the Tricolour, is a symbol of pride for every Indian. It has three colors: saffron at the top, white in the middle, and green at the bottom. The blue wheel in the center represents the Ashoka Chakra, which stands for peace and progress.
India’s journey in the Paralympics reflects the spirit of the nation: overcoming challenges, working hard, and achieving success. Indian Paralympians are proud to represent their country on the world stage, showing that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.
Conclusion
The Paralympics 2024 in Paris will be another chance for Indian athletes to showcase their talents and make the country proud. These athletes inspire us all with their courage and determination. They show that no matter what challenges we face, we can achieve great things if we work hard and never give up.
Supporting and celebrating our Paralympians is important because they represent the best of India: resilience, strength, and the spirit of never giving up. Let’s cheer for them and hope that they bring home many medals in the Paralympics 2024!
The medal tally of India in Paralympics 2024
he Paralympics 2024 are set to take place in Paris, France, from August 28 to September 8, 2024. Since the event has not yet occurred, the official medal tally for India at the Paralympics 2024 is not available.
However, India has been preparing very hard for the upcoming games, and there is a lot of excitement and hope that Indian athletes will win many medals. In previous Paralympic Games, India has seen significant success, especially in recent years. For example, at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, India achieved its best-ever performance, winning a total of 19 medals: 5 gold, 8 silver, and 6 bronze.
Here are a few key points to keep in mind for the upcoming Paralympics 2024:
- Strong Contenders: Many Indian athletes, like Devendra Jhajharia (javelin throw), Mariyappan Thangavelu (high jump), and Sumit Antil (javelin throw), are among the strong contenders expected to compete and possibly win medals.
- New Talent: India has been scouting and training new talent who could surprise everyone with their performances.
- Support and Preparation: With increased support from the government, better facilities, and more awareness, Indian athletes are expected to perform even better than before.
Once the Paralympics 2024 are completed, you will be able to find the official medal tally for India on the official Paralympics website, sports news channels, or various sports apps.
Let’s cheer for our athletes and hope that India brings home many medals from Paris 2024!
Till date on 5th September India sit 13th on the Paralympics 2024 medal tally. They have 24 medals so far: 5 gold, 9 silver, 10 bronze.
