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Paralympics 2024: India has achieved its best-ever medal tally at the Paralympics, surpassing its previous record with a remarkable performance by its track and field athletes. On Tuesday, the country secured its 20th medal of the Games—comprising 3 gold, 7 silver and 10 bronze—surpassing the previous best of 19 medals won at the Tokyo Paralympics three years ago. The surge in medals came from a stellar display by the track and field athletes. who added five more medals to India tally, including two silvers and three bronzes, propelling the nation to 17th place at the end of day six.
At the Tokyo Paralympics, India had won a total of 19 medals: 5 gold, 8 silver and 6 bronze. This year, the Indian athletes have excelled, particularly in track and field events, demonstrating their prowess on the global stage. In javelin throw, Ajeet Singh and world record holder Sundar Singh Gurjar delivered impressive performances, clinching silver and bronze in the F46 category with throws of 65.62 meters and 64.96 meters, respectively. The F46 category is for athletes with moderately affected movement in one or both arms or the absence of limbs.
In high jump, Sharad Kumar and Tokyo Paralympics gold medallist Mariyappan Thangavelu both put up strong performances. Kumar won silver with a jump of 1.88 meters, while Thangavelu took bronze with a jump of 1.85 meters. The T63 category, in which they competed, is for high jumpers with moderate movement impairment in one leg or the absence of limbs above the knee.
Additionally, Deepthi Jeevanji, a world champion sprinter, secured a bronze medal in the women 400m (T20) event with a time of 55.82 seconds. The 20-year-old performance was particularly notable as it was her debut at the Paralympics. Jeevanji finished behind Ukraine Yuliia Shuliar (55.16 seconds) and Turkey world record holder Aysel Onder (55.23 seconds).
Jeevanji hails from Kalleda Village in Telangana Warangal district. where she faced challenges due to her disability. Diagnosed with intellectual impairment. she was discovered at a school athletics meet by a teacher and later received support from national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand, as well as her formative coach Nagpuri Ramesh. Despite facing local prejudice, Jeevanji achievements, including a gold medal at last year Asian Para Games and a world record at the Para World Championships, have brought pride to her village.
In contrast, ace Indian shooter Avani Lekhara missed out on an additional medal, finishing fifth in the final of the women 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 event. Despite shooting a total of 420.6 across three stages—kneeling, prone and standing—in a highly competitive field, Lekhara performance fell short of the podium. Nonetheless, she has reason to celebrate her remarkable achievement as the first Indian woman to win consecutive gold medals at the Paralympics, following her victory in the 10m air rifle event last week.
In the SH1 class, designated for athletes with lower-limb impairment, Germany Natascha Hiltrop claimed the gold with a score of 456.5, Slovakia Veronika Vadovicova took the silver with 456.1 and China Zhang won bronze with 446.0. Overall, the Indian Paralympic team historic medal haul and the standout performances in track and field highlight the country growing prominence in para sports on the global stage.
Heartbreaking 5th Positions and other Highlights of Tuesday:
Ace Indian shooter Avani Lekhara narrowly missed out on a second medal at the Paralympics, finishing fifth in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 final in Chateauroux. Despite a strong start in the kneeling position, a less effective performance in the prone position ultimately cost her a spot on the podium.
Bhagyashri Jadhav, competing in her second Paralympics, also finished fifth in the women shot put (F34) with a throw of 7.28 meters. Despite her effort, she was unable to secure a medal.
In archery, Pooja Jatyan, the World Para Championship silver medallist, advanced to the quarterfinals of the recurve women open competition by defeating Turkey Yagmur Sengul in straight sets. Jatyan journey ended in the quarterfinals when she lost to Wu Chunyan of China, the bronze medallist from the Tokyo Paralympics.
Jadhav ends 5th in shot put
Bhagyashri Jadhav finished fifth in the women shot put (F34) at the Paralympics, with a throw of 7.28 meters. Competing in her second Paralympics, Jadhav fell short of a podium finish. China Lijuan Zou won the gold with a season is best throw of 9.14 meters. while Poland Lucyna Kornobys secured silver with 8.33 meters.
At 39, Jadhav, from Nanded district in Maharashtra, is a beacon of resilience. After an accident in 2006 left her unable to use her legs and led to a period of depression, she made a remarkable comeback as a para-athlete with strong support from friends and family.
Archer Pooja campaign ends in quarters
World Para Championship silver medallist Pooja Jatyan advanced to the quarterfinals of the recurve women open archery competition by defeating Turkey Yagmur Sengul in straight sets. the 27-year-old momentum faltered in the last eight, where she lost to China Wu Chunyan, a Tokyo Paralympics bronze medallist.
Jatyan loss was particularly disappointing as she led 4-0 at one point. Chunyan, who has won four Paralympic medals including a team gold at the 2016 Rio Games, struggled initially, scoring only 23 points in the opening set. Despite this, Pooja struggled under pressure, allowing Chunyan to make a comeback in the third set. This turn of events ultimately led to Pooja defeat as the match shifted dramatically in Chunyan favor.
Villagers, Deepthi Jeevanji Fights Taboo To Achieve Paralympics Glory
The Paris Paralympics 2024 has underscored a powerful message: with determination and willpower, anything is achievable. Among the standout athletes showcasing this spirit is India Deepthi Jeevanji. whose remarkable journey exemplifies overcoming adversity. On Tuesday, Jeevanji clinched the bronze medal in the women’s 400m T20 final, becoming the 16th Indian athlete to secure a medal at these Games. She completed the race with a time of 55.82 seconds.
Earlier, Jeevanji had made history by winning India’s first gold medal at the World Athletics Para Championship in Kobe, Japan. Hailing from Kalleda village in Warangal district, Andhra Pradesh, her path to success has been fraught with challenges.
Deepthi was born with an intellectual disability, a condition that affects communication and adaptive skills. Her parents, Jeevanji Yadhagiri and Jeevanji Dhanalaxmi, recount the hardships they faced as Deepthi grew up. In an interview with The Indian Express, Dhanalaxmi shared how villagers and even some relatives mocked Deepthi, calling her names like “pichi” (mental) and “kothi” (monkey) and suggested sending her to an orphanage. she was born during a solar eclipse with an unusually small head and some distinctive facial features. Despite the harsh judgments and ridicule, seeing her achieve greatness on a global stage today proves she is truly special,” Dhanalaxmi said.
Financial struggles also marked the family journey. After the death of her husband father, Dhanalaxmi and Yadhagiri had to sell their farm to survive. With Yadhagiri earning only Rs 100 to Rs 150 a day, Dhanalaxmi often worked to support the family, including Deepthi younger sister, Amulya. Despite her calm and reserved nature, Deepthi was deeply affected by the teasing from other children. To comfort her, Dhanalaxmi would prepare her favorite foods, such as a sweet rice or chicken.
The emotional impact of Deepthi success was profound for her father. Even though this is a significant day for our family, I couldn’t afford to miss work—it’s how we make a living. All day, I was preoccupied with thoughts of Deepthi winning a medal in Paris. I mentioned to the driver, Elfer, that I wanted to call friends and family to celebrate her achievement. Deepthi has always brought us joy and this medal means the world to us.
Deepthi Jeevanjiiring story of resilience and success highlights the incredible feats that can be achieved despite formidable obstacles. Her triumph at the Paris Paralympics not only reflects her personal strength but also serves as a beacon of hope and motivation for many.
Paris Paralympics 2024: PM Modi hails Ajeet Singh for clinching Silver in Javelin throw
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Paralympic athlete Ajeet Singh for his outstanding performance at the Paris Paralympics. Singh won the silver medal in the men’s javelin throw F46 event at Stade de France. PM Modi expressed his admiration on X, stating, “A phenomenal achievement by Ajeet Singh, as he wins the Silver medal in the Men Javelin Throw F46 at the #Paralympics2024! His commitment to sports and perseverance have made India proud.
Ajeet Singh secured his silver with a personal best throw of 65.62 meters. His teammate, Sundar Singh Gurjar, who also competed in the Tokyo Paralympics, earned the bronze with a season-best throw of 64.96 meters. Cuba’s Guillermo won gold with a remarkable effort of 66.14 meters.
President Droupadi Murmu also congratulated the athletes, stating, “My heartiest congratulations to Ajeet Singh and Sundar Singh Gurjar for winning silver and bronze medals, respectively, in the men javelin throw event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Their achievements, along with Sumit Antil gold, add significant luster to India’s performance in javelin events. I wish them continued success and further glory for our country.
India javelin throwers have continued to excel, with Ajeet Singh and world record holder Sundar Singh Gurjar contributing to the nation record-breaking total of 20 medals at the Paris Paralympics. The Indian team added 13 medals in just two days, including three gold, seven silver and ten bronze.
In other events, Indian para-athletes Sharad Kumar and Mariyappan Thangavelu achieved a double podium finish in the men’s high jump T63 final. Sharad Kumar earned silver with a jump of 1.88 meters, while Mariyappan Thangavelu took bronze with a jump of 1.85 meters. America Ezra Frech set a new Paralympic record with a gold-winning leap of 1.94 meters.
By winning five medals in a day, India jumped to 17th place on the medal tally at the end of the day action with three gold, seven silver and 10 bronze medals.
Indian athletes will feature in six medal events, aiming to add more medals to the historic medal tally.
Men’s C2 Individual Time Trial – Shaik Arshad
Women’s C1-3 Individual Time Trial- Jyoti Gaderia
Men’s Shot Put — F46 Final — Mohd Yasser, Rohit Kumar, Sachin Sarjerao Khilari
Women’s Shot Put – F46 Final — Amisha Rawat
Para Powerlifting men’s 49 kg – Parmjeet Singh
Para Powerlifting women 45 kg – Sakina Khatun
Men’s Clun Throw – F51 Final — Dharambir, Pranav Soorma, Amit Kumar Saroha