India's first Paralympic gold medal came in 1972, thanks to Murlikant Petkar. He won the gold in the 50m freestyle swimming event, setting a world record with a time of 37.33 seconds. Petkar, a former army man, became a trailblazer for Indian athletes in the Paralympics.
Heidelberg 1972
swimming
India's first double gold medallist in the Paralympics is Devendra Jhajharia. The titan in Men's F44/46 category, first bagged his gold medal in Athens 2004. It was India's only gold medal in Athens Paralympics.
Athens 2004
Athletics
Mariyappan Thangavelu secured India's first gold in high jump at the Rio 2016 Paralympics, competing in the T42 category. His victory was a momentous occasion, inspiring many across the nation and highlighting India's talent in Paralympic athletics.
Rio 2016
high jump
Rio 2016
credit: paralympics
Devendra Jhajharia became India's first double gold medallist in Rio Paralympics in 2016. With a World Record throw of 63.97 meters. His achievement in Rio cemented his status as one of India's top Paralympic athletes.
Rio 2016
javelin throw
Rio 2016
credit: paralympics
Avani Lekhara made history at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics by winning gold in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 and bronze in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions SH1. She was the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the Paralympics.
Tokyo 2020
Shooting
Paralympic javelin thrower achieved achieved remarkable success at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. Sumit Antil won gold with a throw of 68.55 meters, setting a new world record. His victory added to India's medal tally and highlighted his exceptional talent and dedication in the F64 category.
Tokyo 2020
javelin throw
Paralympic shooter Manish Narwal won gold in the P4 Mixed 50m Pistol SH1 event at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. His stunning performance set a new Paralympic record. Narwal's achievement not only added to India's medal tally in Paralympics shooting after Avani Lekhara.
Tokyo 2020
Shooting
Para-badminton player Pramod Bhagat clinched gold in the SL3 category at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. He became the first Indian to win a Paralympic gold in badminton. However, he misses out on Paris Paralympics after being suspended for whereabouts failure.
Tokyo 2020
Badminton
Krishna Nagar became the second gold medallist in Paralympic badminton. He beat Hong Kong's Chu Man Kai in the final to win gold in Men’s SH6 category at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. In Paris, he would aim to defend his gold.
Tokyo 2020
Badminton
Avani Lekhara has become the first Indian woman Paralympian to win two gold medals. In Women's R2 10 metre air rifle standing SH1 event, she bagged gold, ensuring two podium finishes from India.
Paris 2024
Shooting