Indian Paralympians have been participating in the Paralympics since it’s debut in 1968 in Tel Aviv, Israel. The nation’s first taste of the event turned out to be a disappointment, however, a lot of Indian para-athletes returned with medals in the following editions. Ahead of the Paralympics 2024, check out some of the forgotten Indian Paralympians in history.
Forgotten Indian Paralympians
Devendra Jhajharia
Devendra Jhajharia is one of India’s most decorated athletes at the Paralympics. The Arjuna Award winner in 2004, Jhajharia, has no left hand after it was amputated due to an electricity-based accident. He competed in the 2004 Athens Olympics, where he won the gold medal by setting the world record in the Javelin F44/46 event. He stood on the top step of the podium 12 years later when he won the gold in the 2016 edition held in Rio.
Mariyappan Thangavelu
Only one of three gold medal-winning Paralympians, Mariyappan transformed himself into a national hero when he won the gold medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. He won the high jump (T42) gold after clearing 1.89 m with his leap. Mariyappan was also awarded the Padma Shri and Arjuna awards in 2017 for his contribution to the sport.
Joginder Singh Bedi
Joginder Singh Bedi stole the show for India at the 1984 Paralympic games with fine performances in athletics’ disciplines. Bedi competed at the L6 category and won three medals in total, with a second placed finish in men’s shot put. He also won bronze medals in the javelin and discus throw events.
Murlikant Petkar
Murlikant Petkar is India’s first ever gold medallist at the Paralympics. A former Indian Army personnel, he suffered an injury during his time with the defence forces, due to the severe bullet wounds from the 1965 war against Pakistan. After the injury, he began to focus on sports. Petkar had competed in the 1968 Paralympics, representing India in table tennis.
Deepa Malik
The 2016 Paralympics is India’s most successful one so far. With two gold medals, a silver and a bronze, the games also featured India’s first-ever female Paralympics medalist. Deepa Malik is an all-around phenom and has competed across various disciplines at a high level.
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