Paralympic Games 2024: History, India’s Performance, Government Schemes
The Paralympic Games Paris 2024 are ongoing from August 28, 2024, to September 8, 2024. Learn about history and India’s performance in the 2024 Paralympic Games.
Deeksha Dixit8 Sept, 2024
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Paralympic Games 2024: The largest ever international multi-sport parasports event known as the Paralympic Games 2024 is currently being held in Paris. This is the 2024 Summer Paralympics , which took place from August 28 to September 8, 2024 . Paris Paralympic Games 2024 is a celebration of the talents and determination of athletes with disabilities.
Paralympic Games 2024 were held after the Olympic Games, giving para-athletes a platform to showcase their abilities on the global stage. Read on for the history of the Paralympic Games, India’s journey in these competitions, and the government initiatives that support para-athletes.Paralympic Games 2024
The Paralympic Games 2024 is a significant event for athletes with disabilities worldwide. It featured around 4,400 athletes competing in 549 medal events across 22 sports. Paralympics 2024 fostered inclusivity and inspired millions worldwide. This year, India has sent 84 para-athletes, including 32 women. They participated in 12 different sports , including three new sports this year: paracycling, para-rowing, and blind judo.| Paralympic Games 2024 | |
| Particular | Details |
| Location | Paris, France |
| Start Date | August 28, 2024 |
| End Date | September 8, 2024 |
| Number of Sports | 22 |
| Number of Athletes | Approximately 4,400 |
| Total Medal Events | 549 |
| India 2024 Paralympic Athletes | 84 |
| India's Medals | 29 |
| India's Rank | 18 |
Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony 2024
The Paralympic Games 2024 opening ceremony was held at the Place de la Concorde and along the Champs-Élysées in Paris, marking the first time the ceremony took place outside a traditional stadium. India’s flagbearers at Paralympics 2024 were Sumit Antil and Bhagyashri Jadhav , who led a team of 84 players. The event showcased French culture and Paralympic values.Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony 2024
The Paralympic Games Paris 2024 closing ceremony will conclude the event at the Stade de France, celebrating the achievements of all athletes and promoting the values of the Paralympic Games. It will also feature the handover of the Paralympic flag to the next host city, signifying the continuity of the Paralympic movement. Archer Harvinder Singh and sprinter Preeti Pal will carry India's flag at the closing ceremony.History of Paralympic Games
The Paralympic Games history dates back to 1948. It was unofficially started by Sir Ludwig Guttmann , who organised the first competition for World War II veterans with spinal cord injuries in Stoke Mandeville, England. This event laid the foundation for what would become the Paralympic Games. The first officia l Paralympic Games were held in Rome in 1960 . In this event, 400 athletes from 23 countries participated. The Games have evolved significantly over the years, growing in size, scope, and prestige. Since the Summer Games in Seou l, Korea, in 1988 and the Winter Games in Albertville, France, in 1992, the Paralympic Games have been held in the same cities and venues as the Olympics, thanks to an agreement between the IPC and IOC.India’s Performance in Paralympic Games 2024
India has steadily improved its performance in the Paralympic Games over the years. Since its debut in 1968, India has participated in 12 editions of the Games, winning a total of 60 medals, which include 16 golds, 21 silvers, and 23 bronzes. India’s performance in the Paralympic Games has been marked by significant achievements, with the 2024 Paris Paralympics (29 medals) being the best year. Below is an overview of India’s medals in Paralympic Games.| India’s Medals in Paralympic Games | ||||
| Games | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
| 1972 Heidelberg | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 1984 Stoke Mandeville | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| 2004 Athens | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| 2016 Rio de Janeiro | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| 2020 Tokyo | 5 | 8 | 6 | 19 |
| 2024 Paris | 7 | 9 | 13 | 24 |
| Total | 16 | 21 | 23 | 60 |
| India’s Medals in Paralympics 2024 | |
| Medals | Count |
| Gold | 7 |
| Silver | 9 |
| Bronze | 13 |
| Total | 29 |
1st Paralympic Gold Medal for India
India's journey in the Paralympic Games began in 1968; however, we won our first medal only in 1972, which was also the first Paralympic gold medal for India. Murlikant Petkar won the first gold medal for India in the men's 50m freestyle swimming event at the 1972 Paralympic Games in Heidelberg, Germany . Murlikant Petkar , a former soldier, competed in the 50-meter freestyle event and set a world record with a time of 37.33 seconds. Petkar’s victory marked the beginning of India’s journey in the Paralympic, inspiring future generations of para-athletes to strive for excellence. His achievement remains a proud moment in India's sporting history and highlights the potential of athletes with disabilities.India's Record in Paralympics 2024
India achieved a historic milestone at the 2024 Paralympics, securing 29 medals —seven gold, nine silver, and thirteen bronze. Finishing 18th overall , this was India's best-ever performance, surpassing the Tokyo 2020 record and showcasing exceptional talent across 12 sports. Here are some memorable achievements by Indian para-athletes:| India's Achievement in Paralympics 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Athlete | Event | Medal | Achievement |
| Avani Lekhara | Women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 | Gold medal | First Indian woman to win two gold medals; defended her title |
| Dharambir | Men's club throw F51 | Gold medal | Asian record of 34.92m |
| Praveen Kumar | High jump T64 | Gold medal | Asian record |
| Sumit Antil | Men's javelin throw F64 | Gold medal | Paralympic record; broke his own record three times |
| Mariyappan Thangavelu | High jump T42 | Bronze medal | First Indian to win medals at three consecutive Paralympics |
| Preethi Pal | Women's 100m T35 | Bronze medal | India's first-ever medal in a track event |
| Deepthi Jeevanji | Women's 400m T20 | Bronze medal | First intellectually impaired Indian athlete to win a Paralympic medal |
| Sheetal Devi & Rakesh Kumar | Archery (compound mixed team) | Bronze medal | World record score in compound mixed team qualification event |
| Harvinder Singh | Archery (individual) | Gold medal | India’s first-ever Paralympic archery champion |
International Paralympic Committee (IPC)
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is the global governing body for the Paralympic Games 2024. Founded in 1989, the IPC’s mission is to enable para-athletes to achieve sporting excellence and inspire the world. The IPC works with 176 national Paralympic committees and 4 international federations to ensure the success and growth of the Paralympic movement. The organization also focuses on athlete classification, ensuring fair competition, and promoting inclusion and diversity in sports.Government Schemes to Support Athletes
The Indian government has implemented several schemes to support para-athletes and promote the Paralympic games in the country. Some of the key government Schemes for sports include:- Scheme of Sports & Games for the Disabled: This scheme aims to encourage participation in sports among individuals with disabilities by providing financial assistance, organizing events, and improving infrastructure.
- Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS): TOPS identifies potential medalists and provides them with financial support, world-class coaching, and international exposure.
- National Sports Development Fund (NSDF): This fund assists in the training and preparation of athletes, ensuring they have access to the best facilities and resources.
- Khelo India-Para Games : This initiative aims to develop a strong sports culture in the country, with a special focus on identifying and nurturing young talent, including para-athletes.
| UPSC Related Articles | ||
| UPSC 2025 Exam | Paris Olympics 2024 | Paris Olympics Medal Tally 2024 |
| UPSC Mains Syllabus | Top Indian Players In Paris Olympics | Economic Impact Of Olympics 2024 |
Paralympic Games 2024 FAQs
What is the Paralympic Games?
The Paralympic Games are an international multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities, held every four years after the Olympic Games.
When and where are the Paralympic Games being held in 2024?
The Paralympic Games 2024 are being held in Paris, France, from August 28 to September 8, 2024.
Who won the first Paralympic medal for India?
Murlikant Petkar won the first Paralympic medal for India, a gold in the men's 50m freestyle swimming event at the 1972 Paralympic Games in Heidelberg, Germany.
When were the first Paralympics?
The first official Paralympics were held in Rome in 1960, following an earlier event organized in 1948 for World War II veterans.
How many medals has India won in the Paralympic Games?
As of the 2024 Paralympic Games, India has won a total of 60 medals, including 16 golds, 21 silvers, and 23 bronzes.
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