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Indian Paralympic athletes were accorded a grand welcome at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport upon their return from the Paris Paralympics, where they showcased an exceptional performance. On Saturday morning, half of the Indian contingent arrived home after participating in the prestigious event.Among the returning athletes were Avani Lekhara, Mona Agarwal, Pranav Soorma, Rakesh Kumar, and Manish Narwal. Fans gathered in large numbers outside the airport, showering the para-athletes with flower petals and expressing their admiration.India's Paralympic stars, including gold medalist Avani Lekhara, silver medalist Manish Narwal, Pranav Soorma, and bronze medalists Rubina, returned to a hero's welcome. The remaining athletes of the Indian contingent will return after the conclusion of the multi-sport event.Star Indian parashooter Avani Lekhara expressed her gratitude for the support and recognition. "It has been a good journey, and we have won many good medals this time," she said.Para shooter Mona Agarwal shared her excitement about her first Paralympic experience. "I am feeling very good as I am receiving so much love... My Paralympic journey was very good," she said.Reigning Paralympic champion Avani Lekhara continued her winning streak, securing gold in the women's 10m air rifle final. She became the first Indian woman to win two gold medals in the Games' history. Shooter Mona Agarwal also bagged a bronze medal in the same event.Para-archer Rakesh Kumar attributed his victory to his coaches. "I am feeling very good... The credit for my victory goes to my coaches... We will work hard and perform better at the next Paralympics," he said.The Indian archery pair of Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi clinched the bronze medal in the Mixed Team Compound event, defeating Italy's Eleonora Sarti and Matteo Bonnacina.India's medal tally at the ongoing Paralympics has reached 27, including six gold medals, nine silver medals, and 12 bronze medals. This is the highest number of gold medals India has ever won at a Paralympics Games event, surpassing the previous record of five golds in Tokyo 2020.Indian para-athletes have made the nation proud with their exceptional performance, contributing three golds, six silvers, and six bronze medals to the country's overall tally.

Para-athlete Deepthi Jeevanji returned to India on Thursday as a national hero after securing a bronze medal in the women's 400m T20 final at the ongoing Paris Paralympics. Jeevanji, making her Paralympic debut, showcased exceptional speed and determination throughout the competition.In the final, Jeevanji started strongly but faced a challenge in the final phase of the race. Despite her best efforts, she finished behind Ukraine's Yuliia Shuliar (gold) and Turkey's Aysel Onder (silver). However, her time of 55.82s was enough to secure a podium finish and add to India's growing medal tally.Jeevanji's bronze medal is a testament to her hard work and dedication. She qualified for the final with a sensational run in the qualification round, finishing first in her heat with a time of 55.45s. Her performance in Paris has not only brought glory to India but also inspired countless aspiring athletes.India's Paralympic contingent has enjoyed a remarkable run in Paris, with several athletes achieving podium finishes. Para-athletes Dharambir and Pranav Soorma claimed gold and silver medals, respectively, in the men's club throw F51 final. Ajeet Singh and Sundar Singh Gurjar also secured silver and bronze medals in the men's javelin throw F46 event.In addition to Jeevanji's bronze, India has also won gold medals in para archery, para shooting, and para-shuttle. Para-archer Harvinder Singh made history by winning India's first-ever gold medal in para archery at the Paralympics. Para-shooter Avani Lekhra and javelin thrower Sumit Antil also contributed to India's gold medal count.The Indian contingent's success at the Paris Paralympics is a testament to the country's growing support for para-sports. The athletes' achievements have not only brought pride to the nation but also raised awareness about the abilities and potential of individuals with disabilities.

India's Medal Hunt Continues at Paris Paralympics 2024After a remarkable start to the Paris Paralympics 2024, the Indian contingent is poised for more medal glory on Tuesday. Star shooter Avani Lekhara, who has already secured a gold medal, will return to action in the women's 50m rifle 3 position event.In athletics, India's high jump trio of Mariyappan Thangavelu, Shailesh Kumar, and Sharad Kumar will aim for podium finishes in the men's high jump T63 finals. Meanwhile, Ajeet Singh, Rinku, and Sundar Singh Gurjar will vie for medals in the F46 javelin throw final.The day's schedule also features para archery, with Pooja set to compete in the women's individual recurve open round of 16. If she qualifies, she will face off in the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and potentially the bronze or gold medal matches later in the evening.Detailed Schedule:Para Shooting* 1:00 PM: Women's 50m Rifle 3 Position SH1 (Qualification) - Avani Lekhara, Mona Agarwal* 7:30 PM: Women's 50m Rifle 3 Position SH1 Finals (Subject to Qualification) - Avani Lekhara, Mona AgarwalPara Athletics* 2:28 PM: Women's Shot Put F34 (Finals) - Bhagyashri Madhavrao Jadhav* 10:38 PM: Women's 400m T20 (Final) - Deepthi Jeevanji* 11:50 PM: Men's High Jump T63 Finals - Mariyappan Thangavelu, Shailesh Kumar, Sharad Kumar* 12:13 AM (September 4): Men's Javelin Throw F46 Finals - Ajeet Singh, Rinku, Sundar Singh GurjarPara Archery* 3:20 PM: Women's Individual Recurve Open Round of 16 - Pooja vs TBD* 8:30 PM: Women's Individual Recurve Open Quarter-final (Subject to Qualification) - Pooja vs TBD* 9:38 PM: Women's Individual Recurve Open Semi-final (Subject to Qualification) - Pooja vs TBD* 10:27 PM: Women's Individual Recurve Open Bronze Medal Match (Subject to Qualification) - Pooja vs TBD* 10:44 PM: Women's Individual Recurve Open Gold Medal Match (Subject to Qualification) - Pooja vs TBD

India's para athletics team is poised to make a strong showing at the upcoming Paralympics in Paris, with head coach Satyanarayana expressing confidence in securing 10 medals, including five golds. The team of 84 athletes, the largest contingent India has ever sent to the Paralympics, has undergone rigorous training in preparation for the event.Satyanarayana emphasized the team's goal of converting silver and bronze medals from the Tokyo Paralympics into gold this time around. He praised the athletes' dedication and noted that many have already arrived in Paris to acclimatize and continue their training.Among the athletes expected to excel are Sumit Antil, the reigning world record holder in men's javelin F64; Mariyappan Thangavelu, the 2016 Paralympic gold medalist in men's high jump T42; and Deepthi Jeevanji, the 2019 World Para Athletics Championships bronze medalist in women's 400m T20.Other medal contenders include Sachin Khilari (men's shotput F46), Ekta Bhyan (women's club throw F52), and Simran Sharma (women's 200m T12).In the Tokyo Paralympics, India finished 24th in the overall medal tally with 19 medals, including five golds, eight silvers, and six bronzes. In athletics, the team won eight medals, including one gold, five silvers, and two bronzes.The Indian para athletics team is determined to surpass their previous performance and make history at the Paris Paralympics. With their intense training and unwavering determination, they aim to bring glory to India and inspire countless others.

The Indian Paralympic contingent, led by star javelin thrower Sumit Antil, has embarked on its journey to the Paris Paralympics with the aim of securing an unprecedented five gold medals and a total of 12 medals. The first batch of 16 para athletes will acclimatize to the conditions in Paris before entering the Games Village on August 25.Antil, who is aiming to become the first Indian to defend his Paralympics gold, will train at facilities near the French capital to adjust to the weather conditions. Para athletics events will be held at Stade de France, the same venue where the able-bodied athletes competed during the Paris Olympics.Para-athletics head coach Satyanarayana expressed confidence in the team's medal prospects, stating, "We are aiming for at least five gold and 12 medals in total. This will be our best performance in the Paralympics." India's hopes are buoyed by their success at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan, where they finished sixth in the medal tally with six gold, five silver, and six bronze medals.In addition to Antil, other medal contenders include Deepthi Jeevanji (women's 400m T20), Sachin Khilari (men's shot put F46), Ekta Bhyan (women's club throw F51), Simran Sharma (women's 200m T12), and Mariyappan Thangavelu (men's high jump T42).India is sending its largest ever team of 84 athletes across 12 sports to the Paralympics, with 38 from the para-athletics team. Paralympic Committee of India President Devendra Jhajharia has predicted at least 25 medals from the Paris Games.Antil and Bhagyashree Jadhav, who won a silver in the Hangzhou Asian Para Games in women's shot put F34, will be the joint flag bearers for India during the Opening Ceremony, which will be held outside a stadium for the first time. The ceremony will take place from Champs-Elysees to Place de la Concorde in the heart of Paris.

India's para-athletes continue to shine at the World Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan, with Sachin Sarjerao Khilari claiming a gold medal in the F46 shot put event. Khilari's triumph marks India's fifth gold at the ongoing competition and is a testament to the country's growing prowess in para-athletics.Khilari, a defending champion in the event, shattered his own Asian record with a remarkable throw of 16.30m. His previous record of 16.21m was set in Paris last year. The Indian athlete's dominance was evident throughout the competition, as he consistently outperformed his rivals.With three days remaining in the championships, India has amassed an impressive 12 medals (5 gold, 4 silver, 3 bronze). This tally surpasses India's previous best performance at the 2023 Paris iteration, where the team secured 10 medals.Khilari's gold medal is a culmination of years of hard work and determination. Hailing from a humble village in Maharashtra, the 34-year-old athlete overcame a childhood mishap that resulted in a disability in his left hand. Despite multiple surgeries, his arm never fully recovered.The F46 category in para-athletics is designed for athletes with moderately affected movement in one or both arms or the absence of limbs. These athletes must transmit power from their hips and legs into their throws.Khilari's success is not limited to the World Championships. He is also a Hangzhou Asian Games gold medalist and has qualified for the Paris Paralympics. The Indian athlete is confident of continuing his winning streak and bringing home another gold medal from the prestigious event.India's medal haul was further boosted by Dharambir's bronze medal in the men's F51 club throw. Dharambir, a Hangzhou Asian Games silver medalist, broke his own Asian record with a throw of 33.61m. The gold medal in the event went to Serbia's Zeljko Dimitrijevic, who set a championship record with a throw of 34.20m.India's performance at the World Athletics Championships is a testament to the country's commitment to promoting para-athletics and providing opportunities for athletes with disabilities to excel on the world stage.

Reigning Paralympic champion Sumit Antil defended his F64 javelin throw world title in emphatic fashion at the World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan. The Indian star hurled his spear to a distance of 69.50m, leaving his rivals trailing in his wake. Compatriot Sandeep added to India's medal tally with a bronze medal in the same event, with a throw of 60.41m.Tokyo Paralympics silver winner Thangavelu Mariyappan continued India's golden run by claiming the gold medal in the T63 high jump. Mariyappan soared to a championship record of 1.88m, showcasing his exceptional athleticism.Ekta Bhyan also contributed to India's medal haul by securing the gold medal in the women's F51 club throw competition. Bhyan unleashed a season's best throw of 20.12m, leaving her opponents in her dust. Kashish Lakra added to India's success in the same event, taking home the silver medal with an effort of 14.56m.India's impressive performance at the World Para Athletics Championships is a testament to the country's growing prowess in para-athletics. The athletes' determination and resilience have brought glory to India and inspired countless others.

Deepthi Jeevanji's remarkable journey from an intellectually impaired child to a world champion in para athletics is a testament to her indomitable spirit and the unwavering support of her coach, Nagpuri Ramesh.Ramesh first noticed Deepthi's exceptional athleticism but also her inability to express pain or fatigue during training. Suspecting an underlying issue, he took her to the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities, where she was diagnosed with intellectual impairment.Undeterred, Ramesh encouraged Deepthi to pursue para sport. In 2016, she made her debut and quickly rose through the ranks. Her breakthrough came at the 2018 Para Asian Games in Hangzhou, where she won gold with an Asian record time.Deepthi's success has not only transformed her own life but also that of her family. Her parents, once subjected to taunts, are now filled with pride. With the cash awards she has received, they have been able to buy back land they had to sell and are now farming.At the World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Deepthi blazed to a world record time of 55.07s in the 400m sprint (T20), securing her a gold medal and a berth at the Paris Paralympics. She became the first Indian to win gold in track in world para championships.Ramesh attributes Deepthi's success to her natural talent, her ability to push her limits, and the support she receives from her family and the Pullela Gopichand Foundation. He emphasizes the importance of not overwhelming her with technical instructions, as she is like a "small child."Deepthi's story is an inspiration to all, demonstrating that with determination and support, anything is possible. Her journey is a reminder that disability does not define potential and that every individual has the right to pursue their dreams.

India Bags Medals at World Para Athletics ChampionshipsIndia's para-athletes have made a strong start at the World Para Athletics Championships in Kobe, Japan, securing a silver and a bronze medal on Sunday.Nishad Kumar, a Tokyo Paralympics silver medalist, cleared 1.99m in the men's T47 high jump final to finish second behind American Roderick Townsend, who won gold with a jump of 2.05m. Kumar's silver is India's first medal at the championships.Preethi Pal added a bronze to India's tally in the women's T35 200m final, clocking a time of 30.49 seconds. The T35 category is for athletes with coordination impairments.Deepthi Jeevanji also impressed, qualifying for the women's T20 400m final after winning her heat race in an Asian record time of 56.18 seconds. The T20 category is for athletes with intellectual impairment.India's performance has been encouraging, with the team currently ranked 29th in the medal tally. China leads the standings with 26 podium finishes, including 10 gold medals.The championships will continue until May 25, and India will be hoping to add to its medal count in the coming days.