India’s most successful Paralympic campaign to date unfolded at the 2024 Paris Games, where Indian athletes achieved an extraordinary feat, securing a record-breaking 29 medals—7 gold, 9 silver, and 13
bronze.
This achievement marks a new pinnacle in India’s Paralympic history,showcasing the nation’s growing prominence on the world stage. The Paris Paralympics have not only underscored India’s remarkable rise in para-sports but have also highlighted the broader evolution of the Paralympic movement itself.
The origins of the Paralympics trace back to July 29, 1948, when Dr. Ludwig Guttmann organized the Stoke Mandeville Games—a groundbreaking event for wheelchair athletes. This modest competition, featuring just 16 injured servicemen and women in archery, set the stage for what would eventually become the Paralympic Games, creating a platform for athletes with disabilities to showcase their abilities on a global scale.
From these humble beginnings, the Paralympic movement evolved, with the first official Games held in Rome in 1960, featuring 400 athletes from 23 countries. Since then, both the Summer and Winter Paralympics have grown significantly, held every four years in the same cities as the Olympics, thanks to an agreement between the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which reflects the Games’ increasing prestige and global reach.
While India’s Olympic success was once dominated by its hockey team,the Paralympics have seen individual athletes rise to prominence,achieving remarkable feats and bringing glory to the nation. The Paris 2024 Paralympics stand as a testament to India’s growth in this arena, highlighting the dedication, resilience, and extraordinary achievements of its para-athletes.
