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India's Paralympic contingent is poised to make a strong push towards its target of 30 medals at the Paris Paralympics 2024. Friday's schedule promises a flurry of medal opportunities, particularly in athletics.In the Men's Javelin Throw F54 Final, Dipesh Kumar will be a strong contender for a podium finish. Praveen Kumar will aim for glory in the Men's High Jump T64 Final, while Bhavanaben Ajabaji Chaudhary will seek a medal in the Women's Javelin Throw F46 Final. Soman Rana and Hokato Hotozhe Sema will represent India in the Men's Shot Put F57 Final.Para-powerlifting will also feature prominently on Friday, with Kasthuri Rajamani competing in the Women's 67kg Final. India has a realistic chance of finishing among the top 12 teams in the Paris Paralympics 2024 medals tally. To achieve this, the contingent needs to maintain its momentum and secure a significant number of medals in the remaining days of competition.

India's Paralympic Contingent Aims for Record-Breaking Performance in ParisIndia's Paralympic contingent is poised to make history at the Paris Paralympics 2024, aiming to surpass their previous best tally of 25 medals. With several promising athletes in contention, the Indian team is confident of achieving their ambitious goal.On Thursday, September 5, India will have a busy schedule with athletes competing in shooting, archery, athletics, power-lifting, and judo. In shooting, Sidhartha Basu and Mona Agarwal will participate in the Mixed 50m Rifle Prone SH1 event, while Pooja and Harvinder Singh will represent India in the Mixed Team Recurve Open (Pre Quarterfinals).Athletics holds another medal opportunity for India, with Arvind competing in the Men's Shot Put F35. In archery, Pooja and Harvinder Singh will face Amanda Jennings and Taymon Kenton-Smith of Australia in the Mixed Team Recurve Open (Pre Quarterfinals). If they qualify, they will advance to the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and potentially the medal matches.Power-lifter Ashok will compete in the Men's up to 65kg final, while judokas Kokila and Kapil Parmar will participate in the Women's 48kg J2 and Men's 60kg J1 events, respectively.India's Paralympic contingent has already made a strong start to the Games, with several athletes securing medals in various events. The team's determination and resilience are evident, and they are eager to continue their success in Paris.The Indian government and sports authorities have provided significant support to the Paralympic contingent, ensuring that athletes have access to world-class training facilities and resources. The team's performance at the Paris Paralympics is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and they are determined to make India proud.

India's Nihal Singh and Rudransh Khandelwal narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Mixed 50m Pistol SH1 final at the ongoing Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Singh finished 19th with a score of 522, while Khandelwal placed 22nd with 517 points in the 60-shot qualification round.This setback comes after Singh's failure to reach the Mixed 25m Pistol (SH1) final, where he finished 10th in the qualification. Both Singh and Khandelwal had previously secured silver and bronze medals, respectively, in the Mixed 50m Pistol (SH1) at the Para-Shooting World Cup in March 2023.Despite their individual disappointments, the duo, along with Tokyo Paralympics medalist Singhraj Adhana, contributed to India's silver medal in the Mixed 50m Pistol team event.Khandelwal's journey to the Paralympics has been marked by resilience. After losing his left leg in a fireworks blast in 2015, he spent months recuperating at home. His parents encouraged him to try shooting, and he began training at a local range in Bharatpur, Rajasthan.India's Paralympic contingent has so far amassed 21 medals in Paris, surpassing its tally of 19 at the Tokyo Games in 2021. The current medal count stands at three gold, eight silver, and ten bronze.

India's Paralympic contingent is poised to make history at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, with a packed schedule of events on September 4th. The day promises to be filled with thrilling competitions and medal-winning opportunities for the Indian athletes.In table tennis, Tokyo Paralympics silver medalist Bhavina Patel will take center stage in the women's singles class 4 quarter-finals. She will face a formidable opponent in Zhou Ying of China, but Patel's determination and skill make her a strong contender for a podium finish.The men's shot put F46 event will witness a trio of Indian athletes vying for glory. Mohd Yasser, Rohit Kumar, and Sachin Sarjerao Khilari will all be in action, aiming to secure a place on the medal stand. In the women's shot put F46, Amisha Rawat will represent India and strive to add to the country's medal tally.Powerlifting will also be a key focus for India, with Parmjeet Kumar competing in the men's 49kg category and Sakina Khatun in the women's 45kg category. Both athletes have proven their mettle in previous competitions and will be looking to make their mark in Paris.Archery will see Harvinder Singh take on Tseng Lung-hui of Taiwan in the men's recurve pre-quarterfinal. Singh's precision and focus will be crucial as he aims to advance to the next round.Cycling will also feature Indian representation, with Arshad Shaik competing in the men's C2 Individual Road Time Trial and Jyoti Gaderiya in the women's C1-3 Individual Road Time Trial. Both athletes will be determined to showcase their endurance and speed on the cycling track.In shooting, Nihal Singh and Rudransh Khandelwal will participate in the mixed 50m pistol SH1 qualification and final, aiming to secure a spot on the podium.The day's schedule also includes the men's club throw F51, where Dharambir, Pranav Soorma, and Amit Kumar Saroha will represent India. In the women's 100m T12 heat, Simran will be looking to qualify for the next round.With such a diverse and talented contingent, India has a strong chance of achieving its best-ever medal tally at the Paralympics. The athletes' dedication, determination, and unwavering spirit will undoubtedly inspire the nation and bring glory to the country.

The Paris Paralympics 2024 has showcased the indomitable spirit of athletes who have overcome adversity to achieve greatness. Among them is Deepthi Jeevanji, an Indian para-athlete who has defied challenges to become a beacon of inspiration.Born with intellectual disability, Deepthi faced taunts and discrimination from her community. However, her unwavering determination and the unwavering support of her family propelled her to pursue her passion for athletics.In 2023, Deepthi made history by winning India's first gold medal at the World Athletics Para Championship in Kobe, Japan. Her triumph was a testament to her resilience and the power of belief.At the ongoing Paris Paralympics 2024, Deepthi continued her remarkable journey by securing a bronze medal in the women's 400m T20 final. She crossed the finish line in 55.82 seconds, adding another chapter to her inspiring story.Deepthi's success is not only a personal achievement but also a symbol of hope for countless individuals with disabilities. Her journey demonstrates that with determination and support, anything is possible.Her parents, Jeevanji Yadhagiri and Jeevanji Dhanalaxmi, have been instrumental in Deepthi's success. Despite facing financial challenges, they have always encouraged their daughter to pursue her dreams."Seeing her become the world champion in a far-off country proves that she is indeed a special girl," said Jeevanji Dhanalaxmi. "She has always given us joy, and this medal will also mean a lot to us."Deepthi's story is a reminder that disability does not define an individual's potential. With the right support and opportunities, people with disabilities can achieve extraordinary things.

Sheetal Devi, India's armless archery prodigy, has captivated the world with her remarkable performance at the Paris Paralympics 2024. Despite not securing a medal in the individual event, her unwavering determination and exceptional accuracy have earned her widespread admiration.Sheetal's journey to the Paralympics has been nothing short of extraordinary. Born without arms, she defied all odds to pursue her passion for archery. Using her toes to draw the bow and release the arrow, she has honed her skills to an astonishing level.At the Paris Games, Sheetal faced formidable opponents in the compound women's open category. In the last-16, she narrowly missed out on a quarterfinal berth, losing to Tokyo silver medalist Mariana Zuniga of Chile by a single point (137-138). However, her performance throughout the tournament showcased her resilience and unwavering spirit.Sheetal's inspiring story has resonated with people across the globe. Her determination to overcome adversity and achieve her dreams has made her a role model for countless individuals. Business tycoon Anand Mahindra was among those who were deeply moved by her performance.After witnessing Sheetal's viral video where she effortlessly hit a bullseye, Mahindra expressed his admiration on social media. He pledged to fulfill a promise he had made to her, offering her any car from his range customized to suit her needs. Sheetal, who will turn 18 next year, has graciously accepted the offer.Mahindra's gesture is a testament to the impact Sheetal's story has had on the nation and beyond. Her indomitable spirit and unwavering pursuit of excellence have inspired countless individuals to believe in their own abilities and strive for greatness.Sheetal Devi's journey is a reminder that true success lies not only in medals but in the courage, determination, and resilience we display in the face of challenges. Her story continues to inspire and motivate, proving that anything is possible with unwavering belief and a never-say-die attitude.

India's archery campaign at the Paris Paralympics 2024 suffered a setback on Saturday as Sarita Kumari's impressive run ended in the quarterfinals, while Sheetal Devi, known for her remarkable feat of drawing arrows with her toes, bowed out in the last-16 of the compound women's open category.Sarita, the ninth seed from Faridabad, had displayed dominance in the first and second rounds. However, her dream run was halted by top-seed Oznur Cure Girdi of Korea in the last eight. Girdi, who had shattered the world record in the qualifying round with a score of 704 out of a maximum 720 points, showcased her prowess by shooting three perfect 10s in the second end, securing a five-point lead.Despite Sarita's efforts to match Girdi's 30 in the third end and a perfect fourth end, the Turkish archer maintained her lead, ultimately wrapping up the match with a 29 in the fifth end.Sheetal, who had also surpassed the previous world record of 698 by shooting 703, endured a setback in the second end, where she shot a 7-point red ring. This allowed Tokyo silver medalist Mariana Zuniga of Chile to gain an advantage, eventually defeating Sheetal 137-138 in the pre-quarters.Despite Sheetal's early elimination, Sarita had earlier showcased her dominance by defeating Italy's Eleonora Sarti 141-135 in a one-sided pre-quarterfinal match. Sarita, who had won a team silver medal at the Asian Para Games last year, dropped just one point in the first end, securing a four-point lead. She maintained her control throughout the match, sealing the victory with two solid ends.In the open class, archers shoot from a sitting position at a distance of 50m at an 80cm five-ring target made up of the 10-6 point bands.

The 2024 Paralympics in Paris commenced with a grand opening ceremony, marking the beginning of 11 days of fierce competition. French President Emmanuel Macron officially declared the Games open, igniting the spirit of the athletes and spectators alike.The ceremony, held in the heart of Paris at the Place de la Concorde, was a vibrant spectacle. The 4,400 athletes from 168 delegations marched into the arena, with host nation France receiving a thunderous ovation. The atmosphere was electric as the sun set, casting a warm glow over the proceedings.In a poignant moment, French singer Lucky Love, who is missing his left arm below the elbow, performed a moving rendition of his song "My Ability." The performance, accompanied by both able-bodied and disabled dancers, symbolized the spirit of inclusion and diversity that the Paralympics represents.International Paralympic Committee (IPC) president Andrew Parsons expressed his hope for an "inclusion revolution" before Macron officially declared the Games open. The ceremony culminated in the lighting of the cauldron in the Tuileries Gardens, a symbol of the Paralympic flame.The Paralympics will utilize 18 of the 35 Olympic venues, including the Grand Palais and the Stade de France. Ticket sales have surged since the Olympics, with over two million of the 2.5 million available tickets sold.Host nation France aims to improve upon its 11 gold medals from 2021, while Paralympic powerhouse China remains a formidable force. Ukraine, despite the ongoing war, has sent a team of 140 athletes to compete.Notable athletes to watch include American sprinter/high jumper Ezra Frech, Iranian sitting volleyball legend Morteza Mehrzad, and Italian fencer Beatrice "Bebe" Vio.The Paralympics not only showcases athleticism but also serves as a platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities. IPC president Parsons believes the Paris Games will bring these issues to the forefront of global priorities.

India's Paralympic contingent, the largest in its history, is poised to make a significant impact at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. With an 84-strong team, India aims to surpass its record-breaking performance in Tokyo, where it won 19 medals, including five gold.The contingent boasts a mix of experienced veterans and promising young athletes. The target is to secure over 25 medals, with a double-digit haul in gold. This ambition is fueled by the team's exceptional performances in the past year, including a record 111 medals at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games.The schedule for India's athletes is packed with events across various disciplines. On August 29, Aruna Tanwar will compete in Taekwondo, while Jyoti Gaderia will participate in Cycling. Badminton group stages and Archery ranking rounds will also take place.August 30 will see Avani Lekhara and Mona Agarwal in Shooting, while Manish Narwal and Rudransh Khandelwal will compete in Shooting. Athletics events include discus throw for Sakshi Kasana and Karam Jyoti, and shot put for Manu.On August 31, Mahavir Unhalkar will compete in Shooting, while Jyoti Gaderia and Arshad Shaikh will participate in Cycling. Table tennis will feature Bhavinaben Patel and Sonalben Patel in Women's doubles. Athletics events include javelin throw for Parveen Kumar and high jump for Nishad Kumar and Ram Pal.September 1 will see Avani Lekhara and Sidhartha Babu in Shooting, while Sriharsha Ramakrishna will compete in Archery. Athletics events include shot put for Ravi Rangoli and 200m for Preethi Pal. Badminton group stages and semifinals will also take place.September 2 will feature the finals of several Badminton events, including SL3, SL4, SH6, and SU5. Athletics events include discus throw for Yogesh Kathuniya and 1500m for Rakshita Raju. Archery will see Rakesh Kumar and Shyam Swami in compound open.September 3 will see Pooja in Archery, Avani Lekhara and Mona Agarwal in Shooting, and Bhagyashri Jadhav in Athletics. Archery will also feature Rakesh Kumar, Sheetal Devi, and Shyam Swami in compound open mixed team.September 4 will see Arshad Shaikh and Jyoti Gaderia in Cycling, Harvinder Singh in Archery, and Nihal Singh and Rudransh Khandelwal in Shooting. Athletics events include shot put for Sachin Sarjerao Khilari, Mohd Yasser, and Rohit Kumar.September 5 will feature Mona Agarwal and Sidhartha Babu in Shooting, Harvinder Singh and Pooja in Archery, and Kokila and Kapil Parmar in Judo. Athletics events include shot put for Arvind.September 6 will see Sonalben Patel in Table Tennis, Dipesh Kumar in Athletics, and Kasthuri Rajamani in Powerlifting. Athletics events also include high jump for Praveen Kumar and shot put for Soman Rana and Hokato Sema.September 7 will feature Jyoti Gaderia and Arshad Shaikh in Cycling, Suyash Jadhav in Swimming, and Bhavinaben Patel in Table Tennis. Athletics events include javelin throw for Navdeep and 200m for Simran.September 8 will see Pooja Ojha in Canoe, while the closing ceremony will take place on September 9.