INDIA SET TO EXCEL AT PARIS 2024 PARALYMPICS

Why in the news?

The Indian contingent bagged four medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympics that include one gold medal in the event representing specialised athletic performance and setting national records for para-athletics.

source:thestraitstime

India’s Medal Tally at Paris 2024 Paralympics:

Gold Medal:

  • Avani Lekhara clinched the gold in Women’s 10 metres rifle standing shooting – Mixed Person SH1.
  • She also retained her throne from the last Paralympics held in Tokyo 2020.
  • That was a new paralympic record set by Lekhara in that event.

Silver Medal:

  • Manish Narwal claimed the silver medal in Men’s 10m Air Pistol SH1
  • He proved himself to be a good shooter and very accurate most of the time.

Bronze Medals: 

  • Mona Agarwal got bronze in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1
  • This led to twin podium finishes for India in the same event for the first time ever.
  • Preethi Pal also finished in third position in the Women ‘S 100m T35 event.
  • For India it was the first time they won a medal in any Paralympics event in track categories.
What are the Paralympic Games?

  • The Paralympic Games are international multi-sport events referred to as the largest sports festival for athletes with a variety of physical and mental disabilities.
  • The Paralympic Games are the international games for the disabled people which are organised every year.
  • They follow the Olympic Games and other affiliated events and entail activities such as racing, swimming and wheelchair basketball.
  • These games help in ensuring that disabled people have an opportunity of enjoying the games since there are very little hindrances put in place for them.
  • They educate the public about the disabled and encourage them with the move of the disabled athletes towards the achievement of their goals.

Government Initiatives for para athletes:Government Initiatives for para athletes:

  • Financial Support: The financial support that was given to para-athletes was through the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
  • Improved Infrastructure: In sports, the equipment and infrastructures were improved to support the persons under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPD) Act, 2016.
  • Awareness Programs: The programs that were introduced such as Khelo India – Para Games helped in participation in para-sports.
  • UNCRPD Adoption: India ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the year 2007 which gave more strength to the para-athletes.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/paralympics-and-related-updates/