Nita Ambani, a member of the International Olympic Committee, commended India's Paralympians, saying, 'India stands tall today because of your determination, talent, and accomplishments.'
Sept. 9, 2024, 11:50 a.m.
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International Olympic Committee (IOC) member and founder-chairperson of Reliance Foundation, Nita Ambani, heaped high praise on the Indian contingent for their record-breaking display at the Paris Paralympics 2024. India’s biggest-ever contingent of 84 athletes returned with 29 medals, including seven gold, nine silver, and 13 bronze, which is the country’s best-ever performance at the Paralympics. They surpassed the record of 19 medals won at the Toky 2020 Games.
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Advertisement “As the Paris 2024 Paralympics come to a close, I am filled with immense pride for India’s extraordinary athletes,” Nita Ambani said. “With the highest-ever tally of 29 medals, including a record 7 golds and our best-ever ranking, you have not only broken records but also barriers! India stands tall today because of your grit, talent, and achievements. You have united the nation in celebration and inspired millions to dream big! I salute each one of your journeys and wish you even greater glory in the years to come. Many, many congratulations. Jai Hind!”
India participated in 12 disciplines at the Games, an increase from the nine disciplines it competed in at the Tokyo 2020 Games. The nation also participated in three new sports in Paris, namely para-cycling, para-rowing, and blind judo.
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India rewrote several records and unlocked some new “firsts” at the Paralympic Games. Para-shooter Avani Lekhara became the first ever Indian woman to secure two Paralympic gold medals as she managed to defend her women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 shooting title with a world record score of 249.7 points.
India recorded a one-two finish at a para-athletics competition for the first time, with Dharambir and Parnav Soorma clinching gold and silver, respectively, in the men’s club throw F51 event. This was among India’s first-ever medals in this sport. Dharambir also set an Asian record of 34.92 m.
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In the T64 high jump event, Praveen Kumar soared to the top of the podium with an Asian record-breaking jump of 2.08 meters, earning India their sixth gold medal. India concluded the competition with a total of seven gold medals.
India also found its first-ever archery champion across the Olympics and Paralympics, with Harvinder Singh getting the gold in the individual recurve para-archery against Poland’s Lukasz Ciszek.
With agency inputs