Published By: Sayan Guha

Paris Paralympics 2024: India’s Unstoppable Firsts – Breaking Records and Setting New Standards

With a total of 24 medals—including 5 golds, 9 silvers, and 10 bronzes—Paris 2024 is officially India’s most successful Paralympic Games ever

India's Paralympic adventure in Paris in 2024 is nothing short of remarkable. India is achieving "firsts" like never before, with 84 para-athletes participating in 12 categories and three thrilling new sports. With 24 medals won so far, India's delegation is making history and rewriting it with breathtaking performances and groundbreaking breakthroughs. Let's look into these watershed moments.

First ever Indian woman to win two gold medals

As the first Indian woman to win two gold medals at the Paralympic Games, Avani Lekhara is the name everyone is talking about. She shocked the competition by setting a world record, successfully defending her title in the women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 category. 

Not only that, but Mona Agarwal won bronze, giving India a double podium finish in this competition. Avani's adventure is what tales are built of. Say what? A world record and two golds? She can hardly be stopped.

First Indian to secure a one-two finish in athletics

In the men's club throw F51 event, two Indian competitors happily shared the podium for the first time in their Paralympic history. With a throw of 34.92 meters, Dharambir won the gold and broke the previous Asian record; Parnav Soorma took second place. 

It's one of those occasions when the cheers of a billion hearts can nearly be heard together. A one-two at the Paralympic Games? Nothing is better than that.

First ever Paralympic champion in archery

Just wait until you hear about Harvinder Singh if you didn't think that was amazing. He defeated some of the most brutal opponents, including top archers from Iran and Indonesia, to become India's first-ever gold medallist in archery in the Paralympic Games. 

His thrilling triumph over Lukasz Ciszek of Poland in the championship match was an incredible feat that has inspired Indian archery enthusiasts to aim a bit higher.

First Indian man to defend Paralympic title

Powerhouse javelin thrower Sumit Antil made history again by being the first Indian athlete to successfully defend his Paralympic title. 

Sumit broke the Paralympic record and won gold in the men's javelin throw F64 with a tremendous performance of 70.59 meters. Throughout the tournament, he actually broke his personal record from Tokyo 2020 three times. 

First Indian to win medals at three consecutive Paralympics

Mariyappan Thangavelu, the legendary high jumper, never ceases to amaze. He made history by being the first Indian to win medals at three successive Paralympic Games with his bronze in the men's T42 high jump competition.

Mariyappan has shown unparalleled consistency, winning gold in Rio 2016, silver in Tokyo, and now bronze in Paris.

First ever track medal for India

Preethi Pal created history at the Paralympics by winning bronze in the women's 100-meter T35 track event, India's first-ever track medal. 

However, she didn't stop there; she took home yet another bronze in the 200m T35 event. Preethi's accomplishments have raised the bar, demonstrating how promising track and field in India is going forward.

First Indian athlete with intellectual impairment to win a medal

Deepthi Jeevanji achieved another historic first as she became the first Indian athlete to win a medal at the Paralympic Games despite having an intellectual disability. 

She won bronze in the women's 400-meter T20 competition. Deepthi's victory is a personal victory and a historic moment for India, providing opportunities and shattering stereotypes for many athletes who aspire to be like her.