Bhagyashree Jadhav, hailing from Maharashtra, has been named as one of India’s flag bearers for the Paris Paralympics 2024.
This announcement marks a significant milestone in her career as she prepares to lead India’s 84-member contingent during the opening ceremony of the Games. Known for her achievements in shot put, Jadhav’s journey in para-athletics reflects a story of resilience and excellence.
Born on May 24, 1985, Bhagyashree Jadhav grew up in Honvadaj, Mukhed taluk, Nanded district, Maharashtra. Her early years were marked by a tragic accident in 2006, which led to her using a wheelchair. The incident also brought about a period of depression, but with encouragement from Marathi journalist Prakash Kamble, she ventured into wheelchair sports. This transition marked the beginning of her athletic career.
Bhagyashree Jadhav’s foray into para-sports began in 2017, and she quickly established herself as a competitive athlete. Her career took off with notable performances across various international events. At the 2019 World Para Athletics Games held in PRC, Jadhav won two bronze medals, showcasing her potential on the global stage.
In 2021, she further demonstrated her skills by winning a bronze medal at the Feja World Cup. Her success continued with a silver medal in the shot put F34 category at the 2022 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, PRC, where she threw a distance of 7.54 meters. This performance added to her growing list of achievements and solidified her position as a prominent athlete in her category.
At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Bhagyashree Jadhav competed in the women’s shot put F34 final. Her initial throws positioned her well, but she faced tough competition. Jadhav’s best throw of 7.00 meters, achieved on her sixth attempt, was a personal best. Despite a strong performance, she finished seventh in the final. The event was won by Zou Lijuan of PRC, who set a world record with a throw of 9.19 meters.
In addition to her sporting achievements, Bhagyashree Jadhav has been recognized for her contributions to para-sports. In 2021, she was awarded the ‘Dr. Pradnya Nitin Joshi Smriti Kritagyata Sanman’ by Galaxy Hospital, Nanded. This award acknowledged her dedication and accomplishments in para-athletics.
Bhagyashree Jadhav’s selection as one of the flag bearers for the Paris Paralympics 2024 is a significant honour. This role reflects her standing in the Indian para-sports community and highlights her contributions as an athlete. Alongside javelin thrower Sumit Antil, Jadhav will represent India’s 84-athlete contingent, marking the largest-ever representation for the country at the Paralympics.
