Paralympics: India Sets New Record with Best-Ever Medal Haul
India had secured five gold, eight silver, and six bronze medals at the Tokyo Paralympics. This year, India surpassed its previous best by achieving its highest-ever medal count at the Paralympics. Driven by outstanding performances from its track and field athletes.
On Tuesday, a late surge of medals brought India’s total to 20 (3 gold, 7 silver, 10 bronze). Surpassing the 19-medal record set at the Tokyo Paralympic Games three years ago. It was a historic day for Indian para sports as the country ended day six of the event in 17th place. With track and field athletes continuing their impressive streak at the iconic Stade de France. Winning five medals — two silver and three bronze.
Paralympics: India Sets New Record with Best-Ever Medal Haul
India won five gold, eight silver, and six bronze medals at the Tokyo Paralympics. This time, India’s javelin throwers shone brightly, with Ajeet Singh and world record holder Sundar Singh Gurjar winning silver and bronze in the F46 category, with 65.62m and 64.96m, respectively. The F46 category is for athletes with moderately affected movement in one or both arms or the absence of limbs.
High jumpers Sharad Kumar and Tokyo Paralympics gold medallist Mariyappan Thangavelu also excelled. Earning silver and bronze in the T63 finals with jumps of 1.88m and 1.85m, respectively. The T63 category is for athletes with movement moderately affected in one leg or the absence of limbs above the knee.
Earlier in the day, world champion sprinter Deepthi Jeevanji secured another bronze for India in the women’s 400m (T20) event. The 20-year-old clocked 55.82 seconds in her debut Games appearance. Finishing behind Yuliia Shuliar of Ukraine and world record holder Aysel Onder of Turkey. Jeevanji, hailing from Kalleda Village in Telangana’s Warangal district, was diagnosed with intellectual impairment after being noticed at a school-level athletics meet. Despite facing challenges and taunts due to her disability, she has since become a celebrated figure in her village, especially after winning gold at last year’s Asian Para Games and breaking the world record at the Para World Championships in May.
The T20 category is designated for athletes with intellectual impairment.