Paralympics India: The Indian Paralympic movement signifies determination and resilience, an indomitable spirit that has inspired a million hearts across the nation. The brilliant performance of Indians with disabilities in the world stands outstanding, showing over the years that determination and hard work can beat all odds. In the process, their journey also tends to break stereotypes, ensure greater inclusiveness, and bring social change into focus. Well, the road to the Paris 2024 Paralympics has just begun, go through the article to understand the rise of India’s para-athletes, the support structure in place, and the way forward.

The Rise of Indian Paralympians- Paralympics Medals

Paralympics India: India started its Paralympic journey way back in 1968; however, it was only recently that India began making a significant mark on the global stage.

The real turning point came during 2016 Rio Paralympics when India managed four medals-two golds, one silver, and one bronze. The act of bagging two golds, a silver, and a bronze was an inspiring performance that brought to light the talents of the para-athletes in the country. 

The athletes’ momentum continued to build, but it was the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics that truly put India in the spotlight.

The Indian contingent achieved an all-time high of 19 medals, comprising 5 gold, 8 silver, and 6 bronze, which helped them finish their campaign in 24th place in the overall medal tally—India’s best performance in the history of the Paralympic Games so far.

Success in Tokyo was a result of outstanding performances in athletics, shooting, and badminton. Some of the major highlights are:

• Avani Lekhara made history in shooting by winning India’s first ever Paralympic gold.
• Similarly, Manish Narwal added another gold medal in shooting.
• Javelin thrower Sumit Antil also shone brightly, winning gold and setting a world record.
• Another stalwart performer Pramod Bhagat triumphed in badminton, who secured a gold on his debut at the Tokyo 2020 Para-Games. 
• And Krishna Nagar also clinched a Gold in badminton’s men singles.
• Other silver-winning players were high jumper Nishad Kumar, discus thrower Yogesh Kathuniya and 6 others.

Their perseverance not only brought glory to the nation but also conveyed an important quest to prove that differently-abled people are capable of everything.

India’s Paralympic Triumph: Driven by Government Support 

Paralympics India: The achievement has been made possible by the structured support from the government and sports organisations for para-athletes. The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) has received the backing from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and other key organisations. It provides comprehensive support with adequate financial aid, world-class training facilities, coaching, and international exposure.

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Now the Indian government has started taking positive initiative towards para-sporting events. Initiatives like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme have been extended to para-athletes, providing financial assistance, training, and opportunities for international competition. The government has also established dedicated training centers with the required infrastructure to address the specific needs of para-athletes, such as training facilities and specialised equipment. This support has enabled athletes to perform at their maximum potential and represent the nation on the world stage.

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Furthermore, schemes like Khelo India have made the recognition and development of young talent easier. Such schemes show higher awareness among policymakers that the investment in and attention given to para-athlete’s development should not be less than that for the able-bodied. The inclusion of para-sports in general discussions represents an important landmark in their integration into the mainstream sports system.

The Role of Social Media is Raising Awareness About Para-Sports 

• Social media is crucial for the development of the Paralympic movement in India, especially for public engagement and raising awareness.

• Sharing of achievements by the Paralympic Committee of India on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook have also accelerated the process of awareness in the entire nation.

• By keeping followers up-to-date with recent developments, the PCI tries to create an effective grassroots support system for para-sports.

• The news of gold medalist Avani Lekhara spreaded in no time by the power of social media. 

• The widespread sharing of these achievements has raised public awareness about the success and the hard work of physically challenged athletes.

• Sharing of achievements by key public figures also add value to the awareness of these para-sports.

• With the arrival of the 2024 Paris Paralympics, people of India are waiting in anticipation to watch their athletes perform at the grand stage.

India At Paralympics: Conclusion

Paralympics India: The Paralympic journey of Indian athletes is a story of happening-a narration that renders intensity, tenacity, courage, and never-ending desire to be the best. This reflects the broader movement of inclusion, recognition, and social change. The future of the Paralympic movement in India is very promising as the country looks forward to celebrating its para-athletes. This breeds so much confidence among the Indian para-athletes that they are undoubtedly on the rise to greater heights on the world stage. The story of India’s journey in the Paralympics is far from over; it continuously inspires, motivates, and redefines the spirit of sports within the country.

No Success Is Bigger Than Salvation

In today’s world, Indians have reached every corner of the globe and are making their nation proud by achieving great success. However, being unaware of the true spiritual knowledge, this materialistic success, which is insignificant, appears to be significant to us. The greatest success one can achieve in a human life is salvation, no other success is greater than this. Kabir Saheb has stated: 

Manush janam paye kar jo nahi rate Hari Naam |

Jaise kuua jal bina fir banwaya kya kaam ||

Without salvation, we will continue to be reborn as animals and endure their hardships. In order to avoid these suffering, one can seek the refuge of a Tatvdarshi Sant as mentioned in chapter 4 verse 34 of the Holy Geeta ji. 

Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Is The Tatvdarshi Sant

Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj is the Tatvdarshi Sant Whose identifications are also discussed in Holy Geeta ji as well. He is the one Who is giving us the worship in accordance with our holy scriptures, such as Holy Geeta ji and Holy Vedas. He perfectly meets all the criteria mentioned in chapter 15 verse 1-4 of the Holy Geeta ji, thus one should not think twice before seeking His refuge as He is the only Complete Saint on Earth. 

He has successfully proven that the Supreme God is Kabir Saheb by presenting evidence from our sacred texts, including Holy Vedas and Holy Geeta ji. Therefore, it is a once-in-innumerable-lifetime opportunity for all of us to take His refuge and start our life towards attainment of salvation. To learn more, you can visit His YouTube channel ‘Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj’ or go to www.jagatgururampalji.org