Para-athletes are making India proud on the global stage as they continue to shine at the Paris Paralympics 2024, with the country’s medal tally reaching eight, comprising gold, silver, and bronze medals. Paris Paralympics will certainly be remembered as one of the best chapters in the history of India’s contribution to sports. India is currently at the 15th position in the Paralympics medal’s tally with three gold, five silver, and seven bronze.

Here is taking a look into the life and journey of India’s para sports stars who made the nation proud on the international arena.

Avani Lekhara

Avani Lekhara successfully defended her women’s 10m air rifle shooting standing SH1 title at the Paris 2024 Paralympics on 30th August, becoming the first Indian woman to win two gold medals in the history of Paralympics. Avani is Winner of the Tokyo Paralympics gold three years ago.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated para shooter Avani Lekhara over the phone for becoming the first Indian to claim successive Paralympic gold medals with a record-shattering top finish in the women’s 10m air rifle (SH1) shooting competition. The 22-yaer-old shot a superb 249.7 to erase her own Paralympic record of 249.6 set in the Japanese capital three years back.

Avani Lekhara, born on November 8, 2001, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, has emerged as one of India’s most inspiring athletes. Her journey, marked by resilience and determination, began after a life-altering road accident in 2012, which left her wheelchair-bound. Despite the significant physical and emotional challenges, Avani’s father played a crucial role in her recovery, encouraging her to explore sports as a means of physical and mental rehabilitation.

Initially drawn to archery, Avani soon found her true calling in competitive shooting. Inspired by the legendary Indian shooter Abhinav Bindra, she transitioned to shooting in 2015. Avani set world records in para shooting, establishing herself as a formidable force in the sport.

Beyond her sporting achievements, Avani is committed to her academic pursuits. Despite a demanding training schedule, she is enrolled in a five-year law degree program at the University of Rajasthan. Her ability to balance rigorous academics with her sports career highlights her determination to excel in all aspects of life.

Sumit Antil

Javelin thrower Sumit Antil became the first Indian man and second from the country to defend the title as he won the F64 category gold with Paralympics record of 70.59m at the Paris Games on Monday. The 26-year-old world record holder from Sonipat in Haryana exceeded his own previous Paralympic record of 68.55m set in Tokyo while winning the gold three years ago. His world record stands at 73.29m. Antil is the second Indian overall after shooter Avani Lekhara to defend Paralympics title.

However, Sumit’s journey has not been an easy one. The 26-year-old as part of his build-up to the Paralympics had to give up his favourite sweets or put his career at risk due to rapid weight gain and a back injury that troubled him before the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou last year where he won a gold. On the advice of his physio, Antil grudgingly gave up sweets, followed a strict training regimen and shed around 12 kilograms in just two months.

His sacrifice paid off on Monday when the Sonepat-lad became the first Indian man and only the second Indian overall to defend a Paralympic title, clinching gold in the F64 category with a record throw of 70.59m. This new mark exceeded his previous Paralympic best of 68.55m set in Tokyo Paralympics three years ago.

“I’ve reduced around 10-12 kilos. My physio, Vipin Bhai, told me that the weight was putting pressure on my spine. So, I cut out sweets, which are my favourite, and focused on eating right,” he revealed in a media interaction in Paris.

He also thanked his coach Arun Kumar for always knowing what he needed, staying up nights to plan his schedule, and putting in tremendous effort. He said his coach had worked even harder than him.

Nitesh Kumar

Nitesh Kumar clinched gold medal in the Men’s Singles SL3 badminton event after defeating England’s Daniel Bethell at the Paris Paralympics 2024 on Monday. Nitesh produced a brilliant performance to clinch the match 21-14, 18-21, 23-21. The para-badminton athlete became the second Indian to win gold at the Paris Paralympics after Avani Lekhara claimed a historic medal in women’s 10m air rifle shooting standing SH1.

The SL3 class at the Paralympics includes badminton players with significant lower limb disabilities. Nitesh lost his left leg in a train accident in Visakhapatnam in 2009 which left him completely bed-ridden for months. A navy officer’s son, Nitesh had once dreamed of following in his father’s footsteps and joining the defence forces. However, the accident shattered those dreams.

He didn’t lose hope after the incident and started preparing to crack the examinations to get admission to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). Nitesh joined IIT Mandi in 2013 and during his time at the institution, he developed an interest in badminton. His career in para-badminton started in 2016 after he participated in the Para National Championships as part of the Haryana team.
He won his first international title at the Irish Para-Badminton International in 2017. He has also won multiple titles that include victories at the BWF Para Badminton World Circuit and Asian Para Games.

Besides having an impressive para-badminton career, Nitesh also works as a Senior Badminton Coach for the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs in Haryana.

Thulasimathi Murugesan

Indian para-shuttlers, Thulasimathi Murugesan and Manisha Ramadass, achieved a historic feat at the Paris Paralympics on Monday, securing silver and bronze medals respectively in the women’s singles SU5 category. This marks the first instance of India winning multiple medals in badminton at a single Paralympic Games. Thulasimathi, aged 22, delivered a commendable performance in the final against defending champion Yang Qiuxia of China.

Thulasimathi became the first Indian woman to achieve the feat in badminton at the games. The 22-year-old is a student of Veterinary Science Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai and her athletic journey began at the age of 5.

Born with significant challenges, including a congenital deformity in her left hand that led to the loss of her thumb, chronic ulnar neuritis, and muscle atrophy, Thulasi’s struggles were compounded by a severe accident that further impaired the mobility of her left hand, restricting both extension and flexion.

Despite obstacles, Thulasi showed determination. With unwavering support and guidance from her father, D. Murugesan, who devoted five years to training her, Thulasi found her way into parasports—a pivotal moment in her athletic career.

A defining achievement in Thulasi’s journey came at the Canada Para Badminton International 2023 in Ottawa. Competing in the doubles SL3-SU5 category alongside her partner Manasi, Thulasi made history by defeating the reigning Paralympic champions and World No. 1 team from Indonesia.

Manisha Ramadass

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Monday praised Indian shuttlers Thulasimathi Murugesan and Manisha Ramadass for clinching silver and bronze medals, respectively, in the ongoing Paralympics at Paris.

“Congratulations to Manisha Ramadass on winning the bronze medal at the Paralympics 2024. Your grit and determination have brought honour to the nation. Keep shining!,” the CM mentioned in an X post.

Manisha made history on Monday after becoming the first Indian woman to win a badminton medal at the Paralympics. The 19-year-old defeated Denmark’s Cathrine Rosengren in the final of the SU5 category. The teenager bagged her maiden medal and etched her name in the history of Indian badminton.

Manisha’s journey in sports began at 11, fuelled by a deep passion for athletic challenges. Born with Erb’s Palsy, Manisha channelled her determination into para-badminton in 2019. Erb’s palsy is a paralysis of the arm caused by injury to the upper group of the arm’s main nerves, specifically the severing of the upper trunk C5–C6 nerves. Erb palsy, or Erb-Duchenne paralysis, is one of the most common neurological birth injuries. It is caused by injury to the brachial plexus, which is formed from the ventral rami of cervical nerves 5 to 8 and thoracic nerve 1.

Howeverm, this could not deter Manisha’s spirit. Her inspiration is badminton icon Saina Nehwal. Apart from badminton, she is also passionate about football and table tennis.

Manisha won gold medal at the 2022 World Championships in Japan, cementing her as a world champion. She has bagged numerous medals in level 1 and level 2 events on the international stage, including three bronze medals at the 2022 Asian Para Games, marking her debut at the event.

Preethi Pal

In a historic feat, 23-year-old Preethi Pal became the first-ever Indian woman track and field athlete to win two medals at the Paralympics while clinching the bronze in the 200m T35 category with a personal best time of 30.01 seconds in Paris on Sunday.

Preethi hails from Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh and her father is a farmer. Preethi has faced considerable physical challenges. After her birth, her lower body was plastered for six days. Weak legs and irregular leg posture made her vulnerable to several diseases.

She underwent several traditional treatments to strengthen her legs. At the tender age of 5, Preeti began wearing calipers, which she continued to use for eight years. While relatives and neighbours doubted whether the girl would survive, Preethi emerged a warrior, overcoming life-threatening situations and emerging victorious.

At the age of 17, Preethi started watching Paralympic Games on social media, which encouraged her to pursue her dreams. Paralympic athlete Fatima Khatoon introduced her to the world of para-athletics and she has been trained under the guidance of Coach Gajender Singh.

Strength and resilience personified, is the second Indian woman to win two medals—both bronze—in a single Paralympics, following shooter Avani Lekhara, who won a gold and a bronze in Tokyo three years ago.

Sheetal Devi

India’s 17-year-old Para Archer Sheetal Devi missed out on a place in the quarterfinals as she lost to Chile Mariana Zuniga by just 1 point in individual women’s archery event at the Paris Paralympics on 31st August. Sheetal captivated audiences at the Paris Paralympics 2024 by scoring a perfect 10. A video clip of the paralympic archer scoring a perfect 10 went viral, with many praising her ability to shoot with her legs, jaw and shoulders.

To honour her exemplary skill and performance in the Paris Paralympics 2024, entrepreneur Anand Mahindra will be gifting her with a customised car in 2025 after she turns 18. The Mahindra Group chairperson had announced his decision to present the customised car to Devi in a post on X last year.

Sheetal was born with a rare congenital disorder called phocomelia, causing her to be born without arms. Since birth she has underdeveloped upper limbs. Sheetal Devi has overcome all odds to become the first and only active female archer to compete without arms.

Sheetal Devi’s technique for shooting arrows has captured everyone’s attention. The archer uses her right leg and shoulder to handle the bow. She starts by resting the bow on the ground and loading the arrow with her right foot. Once the arrow is in place, she secures the bow with her leg, drawing it close to her chest. She wears a strap around her upper body and employs a release aid positioned above her right shoulder, which she operates with her leg to release the arrow.

Rakesh Kumar

In an incredible achievement, Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar have become the first Olympic medalists from Jammu and Kashmir, winning a bronze medal in the compound open archery mixed team event at the Paris Paralympics.

Sheetal and Rakesh secured the bronze medal in a nail-biting match against Italy’s Eleonora Sarti and Matteo Bonacina. The Indian archers displayed remarkable composure under pressure, hitting four perfect 10s in the final set to come from behind and clinch the medal. Their performance not only secured a place on the podium but also equalled the Paralympic record of 156 points, a testament to their skill and focus.

Born on January 13, 1985, in Katra, Jammu & Kashmir, Rakesh Kumar is another testament to the power of resilience. A tragic accident in 2010 left Rakesh paralysed from the waist down, confining him to a wheelchair. However, his life took a new direction 2017 when he was introduced to archery at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Sports Complex.

With the guidance of coach Kuldeep Kumar, Rakesh discovered a newfound passion for archery. Despite financial hardships, he dedicated himself to the sport, quickly rising through the ranks to become one of India’s top para-archers. His accomplishments include a gold medal in the Mixed Team event at the 2023 World Archery Para Championship and a stellar performance at the 2023 Asian Para Games. Rakesh’s story is one of overcoming insurmountable odds to achieve greatness.

Yogesh Kathuniya

India’s Paralympic athlete Yogesh Kathuniya clinched his second consecutive silver medal in men’s discus throw F-56 event at the ongoing Paris Paralympics 2024 on Monday. The 27-year-old had bagged silver in the Tokyo Paralympics three years ago.

Yogesh hails from Bahadurgarh, Haryana India. Despite challenges, he received his family’s support and is an inspiration for many aspiring athletes in discus throw today. Yogesh was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome when he was only 9 years old. Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system. His neurological disorder, which causes muscle loss and fatigue, destroyed his ability to walk and left him wheelchair-bound for two years. However, his mother, Meena Devi learned physiotherapy to help Yogesh regain his strength and with her support he was capable to walk again within three years. He has also faced other health issues, including chickenpox and cervical radiculopathy.

Yogesh started taking interest in para sports in 2016 while studying in college in Delhi. He took interest in discus throwing and began competing in para athletics events. He bagged a silver medal in the men’s discus throw F56 event at the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo, due to which he was honoured with the second-highest sporting honour of India – Arjuna Award in 2021.

Yogesh runs his own academy, Yogesh Throwing Academy, where he supports and trains other para athletes. This initiative is a testament to his commitment to giving back to the community and fostering the growth of para sports in India.

Nishad Kumar

Nishad Kumar, hailing from Una in Himachal Pradesh, won India’s third medal in para-athletics and seventh overall at the Paris Paralympics with a season’s best effort of 2.04m. Nishad Kumar clinched his second consecutive silver medal in the men’s High Jump T47 category, achieving a season’s best height of 2.04 meters. The T47 classification is for athletes with below elbow or wrist amputation or impairment. He had previously won silver in the Tokyo Paralympics with a jump of 2.06 meters.

Nishad lost his right hand in a grass-cutting machine accident when he was only 6 years old. Despite this life-changing incident, Nishad’s spirit and determination remained unbroken. Inspired by his mother, who was a state-level volleyball player and discus thrower, Nishad’s passion for sports only grew stronger.

Rubina Francis

Rubina Francis is a 25-year-old para shooter who made India proud by claiming the nation’s fifth medal at the Paris Paralympics on Saturday, clinching a bronze medal in the P2 – 10m Air Pistol SH1 event.

Rubina became India’s fourth medallist at Paris Paralympics in shooting, after Avani Lekhara (gold), Mona Agarwal (bronze) and Manish Narwal (silver). Rubina hails from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Her father is a garage owner and her mother works as a nurse. Despite financial struggles, the talented shooter has received constant encouragement from her parents.

However, Rubina’s journey is also not devoid of challenges. The para shooter was born with talipes—commonly known as club foot—which prevented her from remaining steady while shooting at the target. She also struggled to shoot perfectly while being seated. Despite this challenging physical condition, Rubina remained steadfast in her dream. Olympic silver medallist in Shooting Gagan Narang’s journey was her idol and inspiration from childhood.

To solve her problem, her coach JP Nautiyal made her stand and got special shoes for her which facilitated balance. On Saturday, Rubina made India proud by becoming the country’s first female pistol shooter to win a Paralympic medal– at bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol (SH1) event.

Mona Agarwal

Mona Agarwal is a name that has swiftly become synonymous with excellence in para shooting. She has asserted her dominance on the global sports scene by winning a Bronze medal in the R2 Women 10m Air Rifle SH1 event at the Paralympics 2024. Mona’s journey from overcoming early life challenges to achieving remarkable success in her sport reflects her grit and determination.

Born on November 8, 1987, in Sikar, Rajasthan, Mona faced a significant challenge early in life when she contracted polio at just nine months, affecting both her lower limbs. Despite this, she pursued her education with determination, completing a degree in arts and currently pursuing a master’s in psychology through a distance learning program.

She excelled in HR and marketing roles, overcoming numerous physical challenges along the way. In 2016, she shifted her focus to para-athletics, where she made her State debut in throw events, winning gold in all three categories. She also competed in State-level para powerlifting, earning multiple medals.

In addition to her athletic achievements, Mona has also been a pioneer in sitting volleyball for women in India. In December 2021, Mona decided to pursue an individual sport and chose rifle shooting. Her natural talent was evident from the start, winning a national silver medal in 2022. By mid-2023, she had already claimed a bronze medal in the mixed team event at her first international World Cup and finished 6th at the 4th Asian Para Games. Mona’s perseverance paid off in her fourth international event, where she secured a gold medal and a Paralympic quota and set a new Asian record. This remarkable achievement has solidified her position as a top contender in para shooting on the global stage.

The Indian government has been instrumental in supporting Mona Agarwal’s journey to success in para shooting. Mona has received essential financial assistance for her training and competition needs through initiatives like the Khelo India scheme and the National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) program.

Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan

Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan clinched bronze in the women’s singles SH6 category after beating Rina Marlina of Indonesia 21-14 21-6 in the play-off clash at the 2024 Paris Paralympics on Monday.
Nithya hails from Hosur in Tamil Nadu. She grew up being passionate about cricket. However, during the Rio Paralympics in 2016, she started taking interest in badminton.

Nithya discovered para-badminton in 202. Encouraged by her coach, Nithya’s father enrolled her into the Tamil Nadu para-badminton state championship, where she participated and showcased her skills.

Following this introduction to para-badminton, Nithya trained under Gaurav Khanna, the head coach of the Indian Para Badminton Team. This marked a significant milestone in her journey, prompting her to relocate to Lucknow for professional training under his guidance.

Nithya’s dedication and talent have not gone unnoticed, as she has achieved success on the international stage, securing numerous medals and now finally a much coveted Paralympics medal.

 

Suhas Yathiraj

Indian para-shuttler Suhas Yathiraj continued his remarkable streak at the Paralympics by winning a silver medal in the Men’s Singles SL4 category at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. SL4 category is designated for athletes with impairment in one or both lower limbs and minimal impairment in walking or running balance.

In a fiercely contested final against France’s Lucas Mazur, Suhas secured his second consecutive silver medal following his success at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020. With this achievement, Suhas becomes the only Indian shuttler to win a medal at both the Tokyo and Paris Paralympics, further cementing his legacy in para-badminton.

Suhas L. Yathiraj, currently ranked World No. 1 (as of September 3, 2024) in the Men’s Singles SL4 category, is a silver medallist from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. An IAS officer of the 2007 batch from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, Suhas has also served as the District Magistrate of Gautam Buddha Nagar. His exceptional achievements in para-badminton have earned him the prestigious Arjuna Award. He is the only Indian IAS officer to have received both an Arjuna Award and a Paralympic medal.

Born on February 07, 1983, in Shivamogga, Karnataka, Suhas Yathiraj faced the challenges of a congenital deformity in his left ankle. Despite his physical limitations, he pursued his academic aspirations with unwavering determination. He completed his early education in Dudda, near Hassan district, and later attended DVS Independent College in Shivamogga for his secondary schooling. Excelling academically, Suhas earned a degree in Computer Engineering from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Surathkal. His academic excellence was paralleled by his selection into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). His ascent in para-badminton is marked by perseverance and intense training, making him the only Indian IAS officer to have received both an Arjuna Award and a Paralympic medal.

At the 2016 Asian Para-Badminton Championships he secured the gold medal in Men’s Singles. He continued to make strides in the sport with a bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Para Games. Suhas’s performance reached new heights at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, where he earned a silver medal in Men’s Singles. He topped the podium at the Asian Para Games 2022 in Hangzhou.

Most recently, Suhas clinched the gold medal in Men’s Singles at the 2024 World Championships, and now he has added a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, solidifying his place among the top para-badminton players globally.

The Government of India has played a crucial role in Suhas L. Yathiraj’s success through various forms of support. In recognition of his achievements, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi congratulated Suhas Yathiraj for clinching a silver medal in the Men’s Singles SL4 Badminton event at the ongoing Paris Paralympics. Suhas L. Yathiraj’s remarkable journey from an IAS officer to a world-class para-badminton player exemplifies extraordinary perseverance and excellence.