Investing in sporting infrastructure pays off for India at Paris Paralympics

India's performance at the 2024 Paris Paralympics has cemented the nation as a rising force in para-sports, illustrating the growing commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in athletics. This goes beyond an impressive medal tally - it symbolizes a larger systemic change in how India approaches sports for athletes with disabilities and creating an infrastructure to support.

India sent its largest-ever contingent, consisting of 84 para-athletes who competed across 12 disciplines, including three new ones: para-cycling, para-rowing, and blind judo. This participation level is no accident. It is the result of sustained efforts by Indian sports authorities to promote inclusivity and provide para-athletes with the opportunities and platforms they deserve.

India's para-athletes delivered their best-ever performance in Paris, clinching 29 medals, including seven golds. The tally demonstrates an upward trajectory in the country's para-sports performance. The gains were not confined to a single discipline but spread through athletics and archery to shooting and track events.

Much of this success can be attributed to the improved infrastructure and financial backing for para-sports in India. Programs such as the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) have provided athletes with the financial support needed to access coaching and training facilities. The scheme has been pivotal in nurturing talent and enabling athletes to focus on their sport without financial worries.

Similarly, the ‘Khelo India’ program has been instrumental in identifying and supporting young para-athletes at the grassroots level. By fostering talent from an early age, Khelo India ensures that athletes with disabilities receive the resources and guidance needed to compete internationally.

Another factor is the evolving societal attitude towards people with disabilities. There is now a broader recognition of the capabilities of para-athletes, and their successes are celebrated on a national stage. This societal shift has not only provided para-athletes with the recognition they deserve but has also inspired many young athletes across the country.

Sumit Antil’s Paralympic record in the men’s javelin throw F64 category and Avani Lekhara’s title defense in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event are just a few examples of Indian athletes who have become national icons. Their stories of perseverance and determination have motivated a new generation of athletes, proving that disability is no barrier to achieving greatness in sports.

The 2024 Paris Paralympics also showcased the growing role of female athletes in India's para-sports landscape. Sheetal Devi, who became India's youngest Paralympic medalist at just 17, and Deepthi Jeevanji, who made history as the first intellectually impaired Indian athlete to win a Paralympic medal, highlight the increasing representation and success of women in para-sports.

Despite these remarkable achievements, there remain areas for growth. Providing more resources, training, and exposure to para-athletes in underrepresented sports will be critical. Through sustained investments in infrastructure, the nurturing of young talent, and the ongoing transformation of societal attitudes, India is well on its way to becoming a global powerhouse in para-sports.