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Indian shooters Avani Lekhara and Sidhartha Babu faced a setback at the Paralympic Games in Chateauroux on Sunday, failing to qualify for the final of the mixed 10m air rifle prone (SH1) event.Lekhara, who had made history by winning a gold medal in the 10m air rifle standing SH1 event, struggled to replicate her form in this unfamiliar event. Despite a strong start, she finished with a total score of 632.8, placing 11th overall. Babu, on the other hand, ended in 28th position with a score of 628.3.Lekhara's sequence of scores included 105.7, 106.0, 104.1, 106.0, 104.8, and 106.2. Babu's scores were 104.6, 103.8, 105.7, 104.9, 103.6, and 105.7.The SH1 classification allows athletes to hold their gun without difficulty and shoot from a standing or sitting position. Lekhara, who had become the first Indian woman to win two Paralympic gold medals, had defended her title in the women's 10m air rifle (SH1) event with a world record score on Friday.Despite their disappointment in the mixed 10m air rifle prone event, Lekhara and Babu remain hopeful for success in their upcoming events. Lekhara will compete in the women's 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 event, while Babu will participate in the men's 10m air rifle standing SH1 event.

Jonnie Peacock's journey to Paralympic stardom is a testament to resilience and the unwavering support of his mother, Linda. Diagnosed with meningitis at age five, Peacock faced the possibility of losing his life. However, thanks to the quick thinking of his mother and the skill of surgeon Per Hall, he survived, albeit with the amputation of his lower right leg.Initially, Peacock struggled to accept his new reality, blaming his mother for his amputation. But with time, their bond grew stronger, and Linda became an integral part of his recovery and athletic pursuits. She ferried him to countless events and training sessions, instilling in him the resilience that would fuel his Paralympic success.Peacock's Paralympic debut in London 2012 was a triumph, as he claimed the 100m title at just 19 years old. He repeated the feat in Rio four years later, but a bronze medal in Tokyo 2021 left him hungry for more.Now, at 31, Peacock is determined to reclaim his 100m crown in Paris. He believes his experience and the pressure of competing in a packed stadium will give him an edge over his rivals.Peacock's success extends beyond the track. He is a role model for countless young people, promoting the Tackle Meningitis campaign and raising awareness about the devastating effects of the disease. He credits his mother for his positive outlook and the unwavering support that has shaped his life.

Mona Agarwal, a mother of two, has overcome immense challenges to achieve her dream of winning a Paralympic medal. Despite being away from her children and facing financial difficulties, she persevered and clinched the bronze medal in women's 10m air rifle at the Tokyo Paralympics.Mona's journey to the Paralympics was filled with obstacles. She left home in 2010 to pursue a career in sports, but it wasn't until 2016 that she discovered the Paralympics. She experimented with various sports before settling on shooting, where she found her niche.The financial burden of training and competing was another hurdle Mona had to overcome. However, she remained determined and sought support from her family and friends. Their encouragement and belief in her abilities gave her the strength to push through the tough times.Mona's children were a constant source of motivation for her. Despite being away from them, she made regular video calls to stay connected. However, the children's innocent remarks about her forgetting her way home would often bring tears to her eyes."I used to cry every evening when I would speak with my kids," Mona said. "I then started calling them once a week."Mona's perseverance and resilience paid off when she secured a spot on the Indian Paralympic team. She entered the competition with the goal of winning a medal, and she delivered. Her bronze medal is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and unwavering spirit."This is my first Paralympics, I just started shooting two-and-a-half years back and within this period I reached this platform and performed my best and achieved my (goal of winning a) medal," Mona said.Mona's victory is an inspiration to all who face adversity. It shows that with determination and support, anything is possible. Her story is a reminder that dreams can come true, no matter the obstacles that stand in our way.

Seasoned Indian archer Rakesh Kumar made a strong start to his Paralympic campaign, securing a 136-131 victory over Senegal's Aliou Drame in the compound men's open category pre-quarterfinals on Friday. The fifth-seeded Rakesh will now face Indonesia's Ken Swagumilang (12th seed) for a place in the quarterfinals.Rakesh, who won a silver medal at the Asian Para Games but was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Tokyo Paralympics, began the match with a perfect 10 in the first end, giving him a three-point lead. Aliou took the second end by a single point, but Rakesh maintained his lead and extended it by five points in the third end with two more 10s.The Indian archer continued his dominance, winning the fourth end to establish a six-point lead. Aliou managed to win the final end by three arrows, dropping just one point, but Rakesh's substantial lead ensured his progression to the last 16.Another Indian archer, Shyam Sunder Swami, who was seeded 15th in the qualification round, will begin his campaign later in the day against Comsan Singpirom of Thailand.Rakesh's victory marks a promising start for India's archery contingent at the Paralympics. The experienced archer will be aiming to improve on his performance in Tokyo and secure a medal for his country.

Wheelchair basketball, a captivating sport that empowers physically challenged athletes, has gained immense popularity worldwide. With over 100 countries actively participating, it has become a staple in the Paralympic Games, showcasing the resilience and determination of these extraordinary individuals.The origins of wheelchair basketball can be traced back to the post-World War II era, where it emerged as a therapeutic tool for injured soldiers. As these athletes sought to continue their passion for basketball, they adapted the game to accommodate their wheelchairs, giving birth to the sport we know today.The International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) governs the sport globally, recognizing its inception in 1945 between two hospitals in the United States. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) further acknowledges its origins in 1946, developed by former able-bodied players who refused to let their disabilities hinder their love for the game.Wheelchair basketball made its Paralympic debut in 1960 at the Rome Games, where the United States emerged victorious with two gold medals. Since then, it has become an integral part of the Paralympic program, inspiring countless athletes and captivating audiences worldwide.The sport has evolved significantly over the years, with advancements in wheelchair technology and rule modifications enhancing its accessibility and competitiveness. Players are classified based on their functional abilities, ensuring fair and equitable competition.Wheelchair basketball matches are played on a standard basketball court, with the same rules and objectives as the able-bodied version. However, certain adaptations are made to accommodate the unique challenges faced by wheelchair users. For instance, players are allowed to dribble the ball twice before taking a step, and the basket height is lowered to 10 feet.The sport demands exceptional athleticism, requiring players to possess strength, agility, and strategic thinking. They must navigate the court with precision, execute skillful passes, and shoot with accuracy while maneuvering their wheelchairs.Wheelchair basketball has not only provided a platform for physically challenged athletes to excel in sports but has also fostered a sense of community and empowerment. It has broken down barriers, challenged perceptions, and inspired countless individuals to embrace their abilities and pursue their dreams.

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 2024 Paris Paralympic Games are set to commence on August 28th, with an 84-member Indian contingent aiming to surpass their 19-medal tally from the Tokyo Paralympics. Led by flag-bearer Sumit Antil, who won gold in the men's javelin throw in Tokyo, India will field athletes across various disciplines, including archery, athletics, badminton, canoe, cycling, powerlifting, rowing, and shooting.In archery, India will be represented by Harvinder Singh, Rakesh Kumar, Shyam Sundar Swami, Pooja, Sarita, and Sheetal Devi. The athletics team boasts a strong contingent of 25 athletes, including javelin throwers Sumit Antil, Sandeep, Ajeet Singh, Sundar Singh Gurjar, Rinku, Navdeep, and Yogesh Kathuniya. Other notable athletes include discus thrower Dharambir, club throwers Pranav Soorma, Amit Kumar, and Nishad Kumar, and high jumpers Ram Pal, Mariyappan Thangavelu, Shailesh Kumar, Sharad Kumar, and Sachin Sarjerao Khilari.The badminton team comprises Manoj Sarkar, Nitesh Kumar, Krishna Nagar, Sivarajan Solaimalai, Suhas Yathiraj, Sukant Kadam, Tarun, Manasi Joshi, Mandeep Kaur, Palak Kohli, Manisha Ramadass, Thulasimathi Murugesan, and Nithya Sre Sivan. In canoe, Prachi Yadav and Yash Kumar will compete in the women's and men's categories, respectively. Arshad Shaik and Jyoti Gaderiya will represent India in cycling.The powerlifting team includes Paramjeet Kumar, Ashok, Sakina Khatun, and Kasthuri Rajamani. Anita and Naryana Konganapalle will compete in rowing. In shooting, India will be represented by Amir Ahmad Bhat, Avani Lekhara, Mona Agarwal, Nihal Singh, Manish Narwal, Rudransh Khandelwal, Sidhartha Babu, Sriharsha Devaraddi Ramakrishna, Swaroop Mahavir Unhalkar, and Rubina Francis.The Indian contingent will be hoping to make a strong showing in Paris and bring home a significant medal haul. The Games will provide a platform for these athletes to showcase their talent and determination, inspiring countless others with their stories of resilience and triumph.

The Paris Paralympics, set to commence on Wednesday, will witness a spectacular opening ceremony in the heart of Paris, following the city's successful hosting of the Olympics. A new generation of Paralympians will join seasoned veterans in competing at many of the same venues that hosted Olympic events.Eighteen of the 35 Olympic venues will be utilized for the Paralympics, including the Grand Palais, which received high praise for hosting fencing and taekwondo under its ornate roof. The La Defense Arena will once again host the 141 gold-medal events in para-swimming, while the Stade de France will be the stage for track and field competitions.The Games will commence with a ceremony in Place de la Concorde, the central square of Paris where skateboarding and other urban sports were featured during the Olympics. This marks the first time a Paralympics opening ceremony will take place outside the main stadium.The Paralympic flame was ignited at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in England, the birthplace of the Games, and transported to France via the Channel Tunnel. Theatre director Thomas Jolly, who also oversaw the Olympics opening ceremony, emphasized the symbolism of holding the Paralympics ceremony in the heart of Paris, a city whose Metro system remains largely inaccessible to wheelchair users."Placing Paralympic athletes in the heart of the city is a political statement, as the city is not sufficiently adapted to every handicapped person," Jolly said.Organizers have addressed accessibility concerns by ensuring that Paris buses are wheelchair-friendly and providing 1,000 specially adapted taxis. Ticket sales, which were initially sluggish, have picked up since the Olympics, with over 1.9 million tickets sold to date.Every Paralympics introduces new stars, and this edition will be no exception. American above-the-knee amputee sprinter/high jumper Ezra Frech, at just 19 years old, has already garnered significant attention for his journey to Paris. Familiar faces will also return, such as British amputee sprinter Jonnie Peacock, who made a comeback last year in his bid to win a medal at his fourth consecutive Paralympics.Beyond the track, Iranian sitting volleyball legend Morteza Mehrzad, standing at an impressive 8ft 1in (2.46m) tall, will aim to defend his gold medal. The Paralympics, however, extend beyond sports, serving as a platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities.International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons expressed his hope that the Paris edition will bring the issues facing disabled people back to the forefront of global priorities. He believes the Games "will have a big impact in how people with disability are perceived around the world.""This is one of the key expectations we have around Paris 2024; we believe that we need people with disability to be put back on the global agenda," Parsons said.Paralympic powerhouse China is expected to send a strong squad, having dominated the medals table at the Tokyo Games with 96 golds. Britain, with 41 golds, will be aiming to improve its performance. Host nation France, riding the wave of its Olympic team's success, will be targeting a significant increase from the 11 golds it won in 2021.Ukraine, traditionally a top medal-winning nation at the Paralympics, will send a team of 140 athletes despite the challenges they face in preparing amidst the ongoing war. Athletes from Russia and Belarus will compete under a neutral banner but are barred from the opening and closing ceremonies.

Rudransh Khandelwal, a 17-year-old pistol marksman, is determined to bring glory to India at the upcoming Paris Paralympics. Despite losing his left leg in a freak accident at the age of eight, Rudransh has overcome adversity to become the world No. 1 in 50m pistol (SH1).To ensure his success, Rudransh leaves nothing to chance. He carries a spare pistol and a tool-kit for his prosthetic leg, anticipating any potential malfunctions or setbacks. This meticulous preparation stems from witnessing ace shooter Manu Bhaker's pistol malfunction during the Tokyo Olympics."I prepare myself for every eventuality in competition, including a delayed match, a shot getting canceled, or any other eventuality," said Rudransh. "So, if at all an adverse situation arises, I will be ready to handle it."Another lesson Rudransh learned was the importance of being prepared for prosthetic leg issues. Just 15 minutes before a domestic competition, his prosthetic leg broke. "Now I keep a tool-kit to quickly repair it," he said.Rudransh's journey to the top has been marked by perseverance and support. After his accident, his mother sought ways to prevent him from falling into depression. She introduced him to shooting, and with the guidance of his coach, Sumit Rathi, Rudransh gradually increased his training time from 2-3 hours to 7-8 hours.Despite initial setbacks, Rudransh's determination paid off. In 2022, he switched to 50m pistol and achieved remarkable success. He won four gold medals with three world records at his second World Cup, followed by a Paralympic Games quota at the World Championship and two silver medals at the Asian Para Games.As he prepares for the Paralympics, Rudransh remains confident in his abilities. "There is no pressure on me as I have full confidence in the process and I know that I will do our best," he said.