The Paralympics are right around the corner. After a decent performance at the Paris Olympics, another group of Indian athletes (Para-Athletes) is ready for Paralympic action in Paris. 84 athletes are participating in the grand event—the highest number of athletes from India at the Paralympics. India had a great run in the Tokyo Paralympics, finishing 25th with 19 medals, marking the first time India has won more than five medals.
This time around, the Indian contingent is all set to shine at the grand event. With multiple players across different disciplines, many have already established their names. Let’s delve into the list of Indian players who hold world records and are taking part in the Paralympics.
Sumit Antil
India’s flagbearer, Sumit Antil, needs no introduction when it comes to javelin throw. Sumit won gold at the Tokyo Paralympics with a world record throw of 68.55 metres in the F64 category. He continued his success by winning gold at the World Para Athletics Championships last year and broke his own record with a 73.29m throw at the Asian Para Games.
Avani Lekhara
Avani Lekhara was the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the Paralympic Games, claiming the top prize in the 10m air rifle event at Tokyo 2020. In the same event, she tied the world record with 249.6 points.
Deepthi Jeevanji
Deepthi Jeevanji made her Paralympics debut with a bang. The 21-year-old won gold in the 400m T20 event at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Para Games and set a world record in the women’s 400m T20 category with a time of 55.06 seconds at the World Para Athletics Championships.
