India Aims for Over 25 Medals at Paris Paralympics:  Devendra Jhajharia

Khel Today Bureau

New Delhi: India has won 19 medals at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020 and a historic 111 medal haul at the Para Asian Games 2022. Team India is now poised for an impressive performance at the Paris Paralympics 2024. India is sending its largest-ever contingent of 84 athletes and set to compete in 12 sports, including archery, athletics, badminton, canoeing, cycling, blind judo, powerlifting, rowing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, and taekwondo.

Former athlete Devendra Jhajharia, President of the Paralympic Committee of India, expressed his confidence in the team’s potential, stating, “This is the biggest para contingent India has ever sent to the Paralympics. We are very confident about the overall performance and are sure to win more than 25 medals.”

He added, “Most of our athletes are in excellent shape, having trained rigorously for this event. We expect outstanding results, particularly in athletics, badminton, archery, and shooting. They are ready to make India proud.”

The team boasts a mix of experienced athletes, many of whom are participating in their second or third Paralympics. Their exposure to global competition and consistent performances on the big stage make them strong contenders. Among them, Amit Kumar Saroha, a seasoned athlete competing in his fourth Paralympics, will represent India in the F51 category in Discus Throw. The Asian Para Games medallist and Arjuna Awardee is the oldest member of the contingent. On the other end of the spectrum, the youngest athlete is Sheetal Devi, who recently made headlines by winning gold medals in individual compound and mixed team events in archery at the 2023 Asian Para Games.

About Paralympic Committee of India (PCI)

The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) is the apex governing body dedicated to promoting and developing Para Sport in the country. PCI is affiliated with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), Government of India, as a National Sports Federation. Our mission is to identify, train, and support athletes across the country, nurturing a dynamic Paralympic movement and ensuring strong representation in both national and international sports events.