India’s Paralympic journey has been marked by steady progress, culminating in a record-breaking performance at the 2024 Paris Games. From its humble beginnings in 1972, the country has witnessed a surge in para-sports participation and success.
Double Olympic champion Sumit Antil, a beacon of this growth, attributes India’s Paralympic achievements to increased education and awareness. “Athletes are working hard, and education and awareness are crucial,” he said. “We need to identify raw talent and shape them up.”
Antil’s own journey serves as an inspiration. After a life-altering accident, he found solace in para-sports. “When you’re playing para sports, you are giving someone a reason to live,” he said. “It gives me happiness to know that I’m inspiring others to pursue their dreams.”
Shooter Swapnil Kusale, who made history with India’s first Olympic medal in the 50m rifle 3 positions event, echoed Antil’s sentiments. “Winning a medal at the Olympics is a huge deal,” he said. “It’s a challenging discipline, but that’s what makes it exciting.”
Kusale emphasized the importance of physical fitness in shooting. “Shooters today are paying more attention to it,” he said. “This makes me believe that we can get more medals in shooting at the next Olympics.”
The growth of para-sports in India is a testament to the dedication of athletes, the support of the federation and government, and the power of inspiration. As awareness continues to spread, India is poised to achieve even greater heights in the Paralympic arena.
