IndianParaAthletes

Indian Para Athletes Shine at Paralympics, Earn Praise from Gagan Narang

By Nilay September 6, 2024 0

Gagan Narang Lauds Indian Para Athletes’ Performance at Paralympics

London Games bronze medallist shooter and India’s Chef de Mission at the Paris Olympics, Gagan Narang, has expressed his admiration for the country’s para athletes for their exceptional performance at the ongoing Paralympics. The Indian Paralympic contingent has already secured a record 25 medals, including 5 gold, 9 silver, and 11 bronze, and currently stands at the 16th position in the medal tally.

Narang praised the para athletes for surpassing the medal tally of the Tokyo Paralympics and expressed his anticipation for more medals in the future. He emphasized the importance of recognizing their achievements and supporting their continued success.

“A fantastic effort by our Paralympians. They surpassed the Tokyo Paralympics medal tally, looking forward for more medals,” Narang said.

When asked about his analysis of the Paris Olympic Games, Narang stated that he had not yet conducted a thorough assessment. He stressed the significance of focusing on the present and supporting the para athletes’ ongoing performance.

“I haven’t done my analysis of the Paris Olympics yet, everybody has spoken about it. But the most important thing right now is that in the Paralympics we are performing well, we are on the 16th position today,” Narang said.

Narang also shared his passion for photography and expressed his appreciation for the photographs displayed at the Media Photojournalist Trust’s photo exhibition event at the Press Club of India. He emphasized the vital role of photographers in journalism and the irreplaceable value of their perspectives.

“Fantastic exhibition indeed, photographers are lifeline of journalism. They give us a perspective and no AI (Artificial Intelligence) can replace them. I wish, pray and help the association to do this function every year. Fantastic effort and great pictures,” Narang concluded.

Categories: Others

Bhavina Patel Targets Gold, Defying Chinese Dominance at Paris Paralympics

By Nilay August 25, 2024 0

Tokyo Paralympics silver medalist Bhavina Patel is determined to upgrade her medal to gold at the upcoming Paris Paralympics, which commence on August 28. Patel, who became the first Indian paddler to win a medal in the Class 4 event at Tokyo, expressed her confidence in challenging the dominance of Chinese opponents.

“Chinese players are humans, and so are we,” Patel asserted. “China does not matter to me. I have beaten a Chinese player before, so there’s no pressure on me to face them. I have changed my tactics accordingly and will deploy my best plans against them.”

Patel, a Commonwealth Games champion and Asian Games medalist, emphasized her focus on giving her best. “There is no nervousness. I just have to give my best. When we think about giving our best, nothing else comes to mind,” she said.

Her doubles partner, Sonalben Patel, echoed her sentiments, stating, “Bhavina and I have put in a double amount of effort in our training as partners. We will try our utmost to return home with a medal.”

Tokyo Paralympics gold medalist in men’s singles badminton SH6 event, Krishna Nagar, expressed his aim to replicate his performance. “I hope everything will be fine in Paris, and I will try to win gold for India again. I will give it my all to defend my gold from Tokyo. Preparations went well, I feel positive, and will look to play safe,” he said.

Debutant shot putter Sachin Khilari set high expectations for himself. “There is a lot of excitement in me. I have been preparing for the Paralympics for 1.5 years. I performed well at the World Championship, and I expect a gold medal out of myself because I have worked hard to earn it,” he said.

Discus throw athlete Sakshi Kasana, also making her debut, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity. “I have worked tirelessly hard for this moment to come true. Representing your nation at the Paralympics is the biggest thing for any athlete, so I hope my four years of hard work pays off.”

PCI President and legendary para javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia predicted a strong performance from India. “I have 20 years of experience in para sports. I have taken 3 medals. I know each player and their performances individually. We have received support from PM Modi, and 50 players from the TOPS scheme are going,” he said.

“Many players got help under CSR activity. We will be winning more than 25 medals. India will be in the top 20 in the medal tally.” Jhajharia also expressed confidence in Sumit Antil defending his gold medal. “Sumit will definitely defend his gold medal. He is fit, not under any kind of injury, and has a high level of confidence in himself. The national anthem will definitely be played, and Sumit will win gold,” Jhajharia said.

India has sent an 84-member team, the largest ever for Paralympics, to Paris, where the Games will be held from August 28 to September 8.

Categories: Others

Krishna Nagar: India’s Para Badminton Star Ready to Defend Gold in Paris

By Nilay August 22, 2024 0

Krishna Nagar, India’s para badminton star, has faced countless challenges throughout his life. Despite being bullied for his short stature, he refused to let his dwarfism condition define him. Instead, he found solace in sports, excelling in cricket, football, volleyball, long jump, and sprints.

In late 2017, Krishna’s badminton journey began at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. He made history at the Tokyo Paralympics, becoming only the second Indian after Pramod Bhagat to win a gold medal. Now, as he prepares to defend his title in Paris, the 25-year-old is focused on maintaining composure and playing it safe.

“This is my second Paralympics, and there is some nervousness because it’s a big tournament,” Krishna said. “It’s a dream to participate in such a prestigious event. My main aim is to defend the gold medal and live up to the expectations.”

Standing at about 4 feet 6 inches, Krishna is one of 13 Indian para badminton players set to compete in Paris. Life has not been easy for him even after Tokyo success. An injury threatened to thwart his progress, and losing his mother was a devastating setback.

But the strong-willed athlete has risen above adversity. “Losing my mother was devastating,” he said. “But time heals.”

Krishna’s preparations for Paris have been focused on adapting his style to different conditions and opponents. “The game is evolving, and I’m focusing on adapting my style to different conditions and opponents,” he said. “Whether fast or slow, I need to stay positive, keep the shuttle in play, and execute smashes safely.”

Krishna secured his first para World Championship title in February this year in Thailand, defeating China’s Lin Naili in the final. “It’s crucial to stay positive, play safe, and remain calm,” he emphasized. “There are new players this time, and the competition is tougher. We need to be more agile and play with speed and positivity.”

When asked if the absence of Pramod Bhagat, a five-time world champion, increases the pressure on him, Krishna replied, “Not at all. It’s the blessings and support of the people, the government, PCI, and BAI that have brought us this far. I know Pramod Bhaiya won’t be there this time, but I’ll do my best.”

Krishna acknowledged that Tokyo success redefined his life. “Life has changed completely since then,” he said. “People have started recognizing para badminton and the Paralympics. In Tokyo, it was a big opportunity for us, there was a lot of excitement and curiosity. It was my first time, and I was nervous, but gradually things fell into place.”

Categories: Badminton