India is gearing up for a stellar performance at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, with the athletics team aiming to secure double-digit medals. Buoyed by a successful campaign at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, where Indian athletes clinched eight medals in athletics—one gold, five silvers, and two bronzes—there is a renewed optimism that the nation can surpass this tally in Paris.
Para athletics head coach Satyanarayana has expressed confidence in the team's potential to achieve at least 10 medals in athletics alone, including five golds. He highlighted the intense training regime and the meticulous preparation of the athletes, who are determined to improve upon their previous performances. "In Tokyo, many of our athletes secured silver and bronze medals. Our focus this time is to convert those into gold," Satyanarayana emphasized. The dedication and hard work of the athletes are evident as most of them have already reached Paris to acclimatize to the conditions and continue their rigorous training.
This year's Paralympic contingent from India will be the largest ever, featuring 84 athletes—52 men and 32 women—competing across various events. Notable athletes to watch out for include Sumit Antil in men's javelin F64, Mariyappan Thangavelu in men's high jump T42, Deepthi Jeevanji in women's 400m T20, Sachin Khilari in men's shotput F46, Ekta Bhyan in women's club throw F52, and Simran Sharma in women's 200m T12. Each of these athletes has demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, making them strong contenders for medals.
Reflecting on the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, where India finished 24th overall with a total of 19 medals—five golds, eight silvers, and six bronzes—the Indian athletics team is motivated to elevate their standing further. The aim is not just to match the previous medal count but to exceed it significantly, turning the silvers and bronzes into gold and establishing India as a formidable force in Paralympic athletics. The upcoming games represent an exciting opportunity for Indian athletes to showcase their talent on the world stage, inspire future generations, and bring glory to the nation.
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