Published By: Sayan Guha

Paris Paralympics 2024 Day 8 Recap: Kapil Parmar’s Historic Judo Bronze and What’s in Store for India on Day 9

From smashing milestones to near-misses, India’s journey continues at the Paris Paralympics

The eighth day of the Paralympics in Paris will go down in history. Kapil Parmar, India's Para Judo juggernaut, won a bronze medal, the country's first in the sport at the Paralympics. Kapil performed excellently in his encounter against Elielton de Oliveira of Brazil, completing the bout with an ippon, essentially the judo equivalent of a knockout blow. With this victory, India's medal tally in the Summer Paralympics reached a record-breaking 25.

Let's now discuss the near misses. Simran's performance in the women's 100m T12 final had us all gripped. She came within 0.05 seconds of finishing on the podium! Is that even possible to imagine? Hopefully, she'll return for the 200-meter competition and have another chance to win.

And there was the drama about archery. After winning gold, Harvinder Singh joined up with Pooja in the mixed team recurve competition. They battled their way to the semifinals but were defeated by Italy. Tragically, they then fell to Slovenia in a shoot-off for the bronze. Although the outcome wasn't what we had hoped for, they gave it their all.

Arvind also placed sixth in the shot put F35, which isn't quite medal-worthy but still a respectable effort.

At the conclusion of Day 8, India had won 25 medals: 5 gold, 9 silver, and 11 bronze. We're still counting, but this puts us in 13th place on the medals list!

Who to watch on day 9: Let's cheer for our stars!

Para canoe: Yash Kumar hits the water (13:30 IST)

Yash Kumar is competing in the men's Kayak Single 200m KL1 heats first. Although canoeing may only sometimes be the focus, Yash has been training like an incredible athlete. Thus, this can be one of your favourite underdog stories if you enjoy them.

Simran's redemption: 200m T12 round 1 (13:38 IST)

Do you recall Simran from the heartbreaking 100m? She will now compete in the 200-meter T12 Round 1 event. You can see she has fire in her belly after getting so close yesterday. If she can utilise her rage from Day 8, she might perhaps make it to the finals in this sprint. 

Men's javelin throw F54: Dipesh Kumar (14:07 IST)

If you enjoy a strong javelin throw, Dipesh Kumar is the one to watch in the F54 final. He possesses the strength and technique and now is his moment to win a medal.

Men's 400m T47: Dilip Mahadu Gavit (14:50 IST)

Dilip Mahadu Gavit is the next contender in the men's 400m T47. 400-meter running is a serious sport that requires quickness and endurance.

Men's high jump T64: Praveen Kumar (15:21 IST)

Praveen Kumar is our best chance in the men's T64 High Jump final. In his high jump training, Praveen has demonstrated impeccable timing and precision. Will he fly up to the dais? That is conceivable. 

Para canoe, again: Prachi Yadav and Pooja Ojha (13:50 & 14:55 IST)

Prachi Yadav and Pooja Ojha are the two women competing in the para canoe heats. Pooja will compete in the women's Kayak Single 200m KL1, and Prachi will compete in the women's Va'a Single 200m VL2. 

Para powerlifting: Kasthuri Rajamani (20:30 IST)

Finally, Kasthuri Rajamani competes in para powerlifting to cap off the day. We all know that the powerlifting competitions have been fierce, and she is participating in the women's up to 67kg final.

to near-misses, India’s journey continues at the Paris Paralympics.