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Paralympic Committee of India Appoints Satya Prakash Sangwan as Chef de Mission for Paris ParalympicsThe Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) has appointed Satya Prakash Sangwan as the chef de mission of the Indian contingent for the upcoming Paris Paralympics. Sangwan, who is the PCI's vice president, brings with him over a decade of experience in the Paralympic movement.As the chef de mission, Sangwan will be responsible for leading India's largest-ever contingent of 84 para-athletes, who will compete across 12 sports disciplines at the Paris Paralympics. This will be the first time that India will send such a large contingent to the Paralympics.Sangwan expressed his honor at being entrusted with this responsibility and pledged to ensure that the athletes have everything they need to succeed and make India proud at the Paralympics."It is a great honor to be entrusted with this responsibility. I am committed to ensuring that our athletes have everything they need to succeed and make India proud at the Paralympics," Sangwan said.PCI President Devendra Jhajharia praised Sangwan's dedication and leadership, expressing confidence that the team will achieve great success at the Paris Paralympics under his guidance."Mr. Satya Prakash Sangwan has been an integral part of the Paralympic Committee of India for over a decade. His dedication and leadership have always been an inspiration to our athletes," Jhajharia said. "We are confident that under his guidance as Chef de Mission, our team will achieve great success at the Paris Paralympics 2024."Sangwan's appointment as chef de mission is a testament to his commitment to the Paralympic movement and his dedication to ensuring that Indian para-athletes have the opportunity to compete at the highest level.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent interaction with the Indian contingent for the upcoming Paris Paralympics has ignited a surge of excitement and anticipation. India is poised to field its largest-ever contingent at the Paralympics, with 84 athletes set to compete in 12 sports. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the unwavering determination and exceptional talent of India's para-athletes.The Paris Paralympics, commencing on August 28th, will showcase the extraordinary abilities of these athletes. India's contingent will participate in archery, athletics, badminton, canoeing, cycling, blind judo, powerlifting, rowing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, and taekwondo. The inclusion of para-cycling, para-rowing, and blind judo marks a significant expansion of India's participation in the Paralympics.Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, expressed his confidence in the athletes' abilities. He emphasized that the Indian para-athletes have consistently demonstrated that any obstacle can be overcome with willpower and dedication. Mandaviya highlighted the nation's unwavering support for the contingent and expressed optimism that they will bring glory to the country.At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, India achieved its most successful performance, winning 19 medals. This included five gold, eight silver, and six bronze medals. The Indian contingent's performance at the 2022 Asian Para Games was equally impressive, with the athletes securing 111 medals. These achievements serve as a testament to the remarkable progress made by India's para-athletes.The Paris Paralympics will provide a platform for these athletes to showcase their exceptional skills and inspire the nation. The Indian contingent's participation in the Games is a symbol of hope, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of human potential.

Tokyo Paralympics gold medalist Sumit Antil, India's javelin thrower, has set his sights on improving his world record and defending his title in the Men's F64 category at the Paris Paralympics Games in 2024. Antil, along with Bhagyashree Jadhav (shot put, F34 category), will be the Indian flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the Paralympics Games, which will be held from August 28 to September 8, 2024.Antil, who lost one of his limbs in a road accident in 2015, has been on a remarkable journey since then. He set a world record thrice in the Tokyo Paralympics and won the gold medal with the best throw of 68.55 meters. He bettered it with a new world record throw of 70.83 meters at the 2023 Para World Championships and further improved it at the Hangzhou Para Asian Games (2023) to win the gold with an effort of 73.29 meters."My long-term goal is to achieve a distance of 80 meters, but in the Paris Paralympics, I will try to win the gold medal with an effort of 75 meters," the 26-year-old told PTI-Bhasha in an exclusive interview.Antil has been working hard on increasing his strength without changing his technique. He believes that his throws during practice have been quite consistent and that he can improve upon his previous record.When asked about the pressure of being defending champion and being the Indian flag bearer, Antil said, "There is no pressure right now, but things will be known after reaching Paris. Once you reach the Games village or at the competition venue, things become a little different. I will try to do my best without taking pressure.""I want to enjoy this moment. For the first time, such a large and strong contingent from India is going to the Paralympics, and I feel proud to be the flag bearer," he added.The Indian contingent comprises 84 athletes across 12 disciplines for the Paralympics. Antil, who is a Padma Shri awardee, said, "Being a flag bearer in an event like Paralympics is a different kind of emotion. This is the first time I will be a part of the opening ceremony of the Paralympics."After the Tokyo Paralympics, Antil focused more on practicing instead of participating in different competitions. He said, "I have participated in very limited competitions. I have spent more time in practice. Competitions keep going on, but my aim is to get a medal for India in the Paralympics, and my entire focus has been on this for the last three years."Antil prefers to practice in India rather than abroad. He said, "I went to Finland in 2018, but I did not feel much improvement there. I practice at SAI (Sports Authority of India) Sonipat center, which is equipped with a track for Javelin throw and world-class facilities."Antil is also a part of the Target Olympics Podium Scheme (TOPS) since 2019 and is getting all kinds of help from it. "I have been a part of the TOPS scheme since 2019, and since that time, I have been getting prosthetic legs from abroad. Along with my prosthetics, TOPS provides everything I need for my game," he concluded.

India's Paralympic Contingent Boosted by Corporate SupportThe Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) is sending its largest-ever contingent to the Paralympics, with 84 athletes competing in 12 sports. This is a testament to the growing support for para-athletes in India, with many corporates stepping in to assist the players.PCI president Devendra Jhajharia expressed his appreciation for the increasing support during the send-off ceremony. "I would like to thank the Government of India, sponsors, and the corporates who have come together to support our athletes," Jhajharia said.One of the key supporters is Shrachi Group, which has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting para-athletes through a partnership with the PCI. Shrachi Group Executive Director Poonam Tharar said, "Our vision is to give support to the para-athletes which they deserve. Shrachi Sports wanted to make sure that the message reaches the masses, para athletes get the required support."The support from corporates has given a huge boost to the morale of the athletes. Jhajharia said, "The support given to para-athletes in recent times has given a huge boost to the morale of the athletes."The Paralympics will commence on August 28 and promise to showcase the exceptional talents and dedication of India's para-athletes. The contingent will compete in archery, athletics, badminton, canoeing, cycling, blind judo, powerlifting, rowing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, and taekwondo.

India has announced its largest-ever contingent of 84 athletes to compete at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, scheduled from August 28 to September 8. This marks a significant increase from the 54 athletes sent to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, including 14 women. Notably, India will participate in three new sports at Paris 2024: para-cycling, para-rowing, and blind judo, bringing the total number of sports to 12.Arshad Shaik and Jyoti Gaderiya will represent India in para-cycling, while Kapil Parmar and Kokila will compete in blind judo. Anita and K. Narayana will participate in para-rowing.India's most successful Paralympic Games was Tokyo 2020, where the country won 19 medals, including five gold, eight silver, and six bronze. Avani Lekhara, who won gold in the women's R2 10m air rifle standing SH1 event, will return to compete in Paris 2024. Sumit Antil, the gold medalist in men's F64 javelin throw, will also participate.Table tennis player Bhavina Patel, who won India's first Paralympics medal in the sport, will compete in the women's singles and doubles events. Harvinder Singh, the first Indian to win an archery medal at the Paralympics, will appear in individual and mixed team recurve events.

The Indian Paralympic contingent, despite the absence of star shuttler Pramod Bhagat, remains optimistic about achieving a medal haul of at least 25 at the upcoming Paralympics in Paris. With an 84-member contingent competing across 12 disciplines, the Indian team is aiming to surpass its performance at the Tokyo Paralympics, where it won 19 medals, including five gold.Paralympic Committee of India president Devendra Jhajharia, a two-time Paralympics gold medalist in javelin throw, expressed confidence in the team's abilities. "The target of 25 medals is based on our current contingent of 84 players. Pramod Bhagat is not included in this," Jhajharia said.While Bhagat's suspension for breaching the BWF's anti-doping whereabouts clause is a setback, Jhajharia believes the team has the potential to overcome this challenge. "Pramod being a gold medal winner of the last Games not being in the Indian team is extremely sad and unfortunate, but we cannot do anything," he said.Jhajharia's confidence stems from the team's rigorous training and preparation. "I have kept this target after closely monitoring our players," he said. "We have worked hard on their physical fitness and mental strength."The Indian contingent includes 47 new players, who are eager to make their mark on the Paralympic stage. Jhajharia expects the highest medal haul from the athletics team, which comprises 38 track and field athletes."Each and every player of our contingent is a medal prospect," Jhajharia said. "We have 38 track and field athletes and I am expecting the most medals from them."The Indian team will also compete in Blind Judo, Para Sailing, and Para Cycling for the first time, expanding its presence in various sports. Jhajharia believes this increased participation will contribute to the team's overall medal tally."I have set a target of 25 medals and to be in the top 20 in the medal table, but we will win more medals than this," Jhajharia said. "We had 56 players in the Tokyo Paralympics, this time 84 players will compete."With a strong contingent and a determined spirit, the Indian Paralympic team is poised to make a significant impact in Paris and bring glory to the nation.

Indian Paralympic Contingent Receives Grand Send-Off for Paris GamesThe Indian Paralympic contingent, comprising 84 athletes across 12 disciplines, was accorded a grand send-off ceremony on Friday ahead of the Paris Games scheduled from August 28 to September 8. The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) and Sports Authority of India (SAI) hosted the event to honor the team's dedication and perseverance.Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya lauded the athletes' resilience and determination, stating, "Our para athletes have a remarkable ability to overcome obstacles and turn challenges into opportunities. They have shown remarkable determination and perseverance in their preparation for the Paris Paralympics 2024."Mandaviya emphasized the government's commitment to supporting the athletes, saying, "Many athletes have benefited from the Khelo India initiative, and a significant number from there will be going to the Paris Paralympics. The government is committed to providing them with the resources and support they need to excel at the highest level."PCI president Devendra Jhajharia expressed confidence in the team's ability to perform well in Paris, saying, "We are immensely proud of our athletes who have trained with unwavering dedication and passion. As they prepare to represent India on the world's biggest stage in Paris, they embody the spirit of resilience and determination that defines our nation."A special anthem, "Macha Dhoom," composed by renowned music directors Vivek - Abhishek, was launched during the event. Additionally, a commemorative book titled "Breaking the Barriers," authored by Abhishek Dubey and Mahavir Rawat, was unveiled to celebrate the achievements and aspirations of the Indian Paralympic team.The Indian contingent will be competing in archery, athletics, badminton, canoeing, cycling, blind judo, powerlifting, rowing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, and taekwondo at the Paris Paralympics. The team hopes to build on its success at the Tokyo Paralympics, where India won 19 medals.

Indian Paralympians Sumit Antil and Bhagyashree Jadhav to Bear the Flag at Paris ParalympicsTokyo Paralympics gold medalist Sumit Antil and Asian Para Games silver medalist Bhagyashree Jadhav have been chosen as the Indian flag-bearers for the opening ceremony of the Paris Paralympics. The announcement was made by Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) chief Devendra Jhajharia."Antil and Bhagyashree have been consistent performers over the years. They will be Indian flag-bearers at the Paris Paralympics' athletes march past," Jhajharia stated.Sumit Antil, a javelin thrower from Haryana, made history at the Tokyo Paralympics by winning the gold medal in the F64 category with a world record throw of 68.55 meters. He continued his winning streak by securing a gold medal at the World Para Championships and breaking his own record at the Asian Para Games with an impressive throw of 73.29 meters.Bhagyashree Jadhav, a shotputter competing in the F34 category, earned a silver medal at the Asian Para Games. She has also achieved success at the FAZZA World Cup.The Indian contingent for the Paris Paralympics, scheduled from August 28 to September 8, comprises 84 athletes representing 12 disciplines. India's performance at the Tokyo Paralympics was remarkable, with the team bringing home 19 medals.Antil and Jadhav's selection as flag-bearers is a testament to their exceptional achievements and dedication to their sport. Their presence at the head of the Indian contingent will undoubtedly inspire and motivate their fellow athletes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set an ambitious goal for India: to host the Olympics in 2036. During his Independence Day speech on Thursday, PM Modi announced that preparations are already underway for this grand event.India's Olympic aspirations are not unfounded. The country has proven its ability to host major international events, such as the G20 Summit. PM Modi expressed confidence that India has the infrastructure and capabilities to successfully organize the Olympics.The Prime Minister congratulated the Indian athletes who represented the nation at the recently concluded Paris Olympics 2024. He also extended his best wishes to the contingent of athletes traveling to the upcoming Paralympics.India's Paralympic team is expected to continue the country's impressive performance in the Games. At the Tokyo Paralympics, India won 19 medals, while at the Para Asian Games, the team secured a historic 111 medals.For the Paris Paralympics, India has fielded its largest-ever contingent of 84 athletes. They will compete in 12 sports, including archery, athletics, badminton, canoeing, cycling, blind judo, powerlifting, rowing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, and taekwondo.PM Modi's announcement has been met with enthusiasm by sports enthusiasts and the general public. India's hosting of the Olympics would be a significant milestone in the country's sporting history and a testament to its growing global stature.The allotment of hosting rights for the Summer Games is a rigorous process conducted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). India will need to submit a detailed bid and undergo a thorough evaluation by the IOC's Future Host Commission.If India's bid is successful, it will be the first time the country has hosted the Olympics. The event would provide a major boost to India's sports infrastructure and inspire a new generation of athletes.