“This achievement is due to the unwavering dedication and indomitable spirit of our athletes. Their sporting performances have given us many moments to remember and inspired several upcoming athletes,” he further added.

India’s women step up at Paralympics

At Rio 2016 it was just one medal, as Deepa Malik won silver to become the first Indian female Paralympic medallist. At Tokyo 2020, Avani Lekhara and Bhavina Patel won three medals among them.

At Paris 2024, that number multiplied more than thrice as Indian women brought home a total of 11 medals among them (including one in mixed team events). That, perhaps, is the story of India’s campaign as they finished 18th on the medal tally.

Avani Lekhara, Sheetal Devi, Thulasimathi Murugesan, Manisha Ramadass, Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan, Rubina Francis, and Mona Agarwal delivered in shooting, archery and badminton.

But one of the biggest takeaways from the Games for India were the three women who set the lavender track on fire at Stade de France. Track events historically haven’t been India’s strong suit, especially the sprints.

Before Paris, India had never won a medal in a sprint event at the Paralympics.

This time around though, three women delivered in style. Preethi Pal was India’s solitary double-medallist at the Games, winning bronze in 100m and 200m T35 events.

Deepthi Jeevanji and Simran came into Paris as World Champions, and bagged bronze in 400m T20 and 200m T12 respectively as India set a new track record too.