India’s Paralympic athletes were given a hero’s welcome as they returned to Delhi after an impressive showing at the Paris Paralympics 2024. Avani Lekhara, Mona Agarwal, Manish Narwal, and Rakesh Kumar were among the celebrated athletes who arrived to cheers and applause at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The jubilant reception marked the nation’s appreciation for their outstanding performances.
India’s best Paralympics performance
India’s para-athletes have set a new benchmark at the Paris Paralympics, securing a record-breaking 27 medals. This tally includes six gold, nine silver, and 12 bronze medals, making it the highest number of gold medals India has ever won at a Paralympic Games.
The achievement surpasses the five gold medals won at Tokyo 2020, highlighting the progress and determination of Indian para-sport.
Mona Agarwal shines in shooting
Shooter Mona Agarwal added to India’s medal tally by clinching a bronze in the women’s 10m air rifle final. She secured third place with a total score of 228.7, further contributing to India’s overall success. Her achievement brings pride not only to the shooting community but also to the nation as a whole.
Manish Narwal’s Resilient Performance
Manish Narwal’s journey to a silver medal in the men’s 10m air pistol SH1 event was a testament to his resilience. After a strong start, Narwal faced challenges midway through the competition, briefly dropping to sixth place.
However, his determination saw him make a remarkable comeback, finishing in second place with a score of 234.9 points. His father, Dilbagh Narwal, expressed gratitude for the nation’s support, stating that the entire country stood behind Manish throughout his journey.
Historic win for Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar in archery
Para-archer Sheetal Devi made history by becoming the first Indian to win a medal in compound archery at the Paralympics. Her coach, Kuldeep, praised her for consistently bringing glory to India.
Devi’s performance in the Mixed Team Compound event, alongside Rakesh Kumar, earned them a bronze medal after defeating Italy’s Eleonora Sarti and Matteo Bonnacina with a nail-biting score of 156-155.
Moment of Pride for India
The grand reception at Delhi airport reflects the pride and admiration the nation holds for its Paralympic heroes. These athletes have shown that with determination and hard work, they can conquer any challenge, bringing immense honour to India on the global stage.
