Eighty four Indian athletes attempting to win a rich haul of medals at the Paralympics over the next fortnight in Paris and Chateauroux has created excitement this time. It was heartening to read, in India, Doordarshan and Jio Cinema will be telecasting live the matches. For all those who think these athletes, also elite, do not have push beyond the limits, please rethink.
There is definitely a change in India as far as Para athletes are viewed and a common feeling is the medal haul this time will be good. Predicting numbers in terms of medals which can be won is unnecessary. Few had imagined that despite the Covid-19 pandemic raging in Tokyo in 2021, India would win 19 medals and grab headlines. Those medals did lead to immense belief in India that Para athletes could overcome any difficulty and perform in different sporting arenas. More proof of India’s prowess came at the Para Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China, last October. India had won 111 medals, including 29 medals. This was a phenomenal achievement as competition standards in the Para Asian Games are not easy. For the athletes to be feted on return to India was most heartening.
Wait, the movement did not end there. Last December, despite the cold weather in New Delhi, the Indian Government did well to host the first ever Para Khelo India. This was defining, for it was thoughtful in the first place. There has been a change in mindset and for the Sports Authority of India to conceive the Para Khelo India and offer a chance to many athletes from several states to fight it out for medals was defining. Given the beastly weather in India, that these Para athletes did not complain even once and competed at the same venues as able-bodied athletes reflected a change in mindset. Certainly, to even have a PR agency on board and put out results and videos was also thoughtful.
As Paris will witness a ‘Parade of Nations’ ceremony on August 28, though not of the same proportion like what was witnessed in the Olympics, the city will be buzzing. Over 100 members, 52 athletes included, will be part of the inauguration, representing India. It is not the Para athletes alone who are excited. Anyone who has tracked the Paralympic Committee of India President (PCI) Devendra Jhajharia will vouch that he is creating an atmosphere where they can compete without getting overawed.
For the Latest Sports News: Click Here
It is well-known, many athletes skip the Olympics opening ceremony if they have to compete on the first day. Likewise, the PCI President has made it clear that the Para athletes who will be in action on August 29, a day after the inauguration, can skip the opening gala which will be held at historic spots in Paris. For India, August 29 is special, as it is observed as National Sports Day in memory of hockey legend Dhyan Chand’s birthday. So, that itself is more than enough inspiration for the 84-member contingent which aims for medals. Lest we forget, the shooting event will be held 275km away from Paris in Chateauroux. So, do not expect Avani Lekhara, the big star of Tokyo Paralympics, to be present in Paris. The Para-shooting competition is serious stuff and the ranges will be fully supportive for the Indians.
Unlike the regular Olympics, at least half a dozen names can be rattled off as prospective medal winners in the Paris Paralympics for India. This would be a mistake, since the talent pool is much bigger this time. If 84 athletes have made the cut, it is through a proper selection criteria. Yes, Avani Lekhara, Sumit Antil, Bhagyashree Jadhav are names on everyone’s lips. But then, can you forget Mariyappan Thangavelu, the star high jumper who will be gunning for a third successive medal at the Paralympics. He won gold in 2016 Rio de Janeiro, silver in Tokyo 2021 and is still ready for another medal. Images of him training at the SAI gym in India very recently are defining. He has won everything in terms of national awards but that passion is still there.
This is one reason why the Indian Para athletes who will feature in Paris and Chateauroux can produce new champions. For Example, two decades ago, India struggled to send more than half a dozen athletes for the Paralympics. Now the numbers have risen phenomenally. And for India to compete in new sports disciplines like Para cycling, Para rowing and blind judo is the WOW moment. Definitely, each performance from the Indians in the Paralympics will motivate so many more back home. Rightly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had chosen Deepa Malik as brand ambassador of “Viksit Bharat.” She has herself spoken of it in glowing terms in a recent column in a newspaper.
So, do not be surprised if new champions representing India emerge over the next fortnight.
Also Read: Don’t use Paralympic success to run down India’s Olympians