India’s performance at the Paris Paralympics 2024 will be remembered for the exceptional determination displayed by its athletes, many of whom battled physical disabilities from a young age.
Their victories go far beyond the medals they won, showing courage, personal growth, and immense strength that reflect their journeys. From shooting ranges to athletics tracks and badminton courts, these sportsmen and women have pushed through barriers that once stood in their way, carving a place for themselves and inspiring countless others.
Triumphs built on grit not just gold (Photo: Twitter)
1. Avani Lekhara – Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 – Gold
Avani Lekhara secured her place in history by becoming the first Indian woman to claim two Paralympic gold medals. After a devastating car accident at the age of 11 left her paralyzed from the waist down, she eventually turned to shooting for comfort.
Initially drawn to archery, her path shifted when a coach introduced her to shooting, where she found both purpose and success. Her journey was filled with difficulties, particularly regarding access to training spaces, but her parents remained consistent pillars of support, helping her push through to this milestone.
2. Mona Agarwal – Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 – Bronze
Representing Sikar, Rajasthan, Mona Agarwal achieved her first Paralympic medal at 37, winning bronze in the shooting event. Living with polio since childhood, she overcame both physical and societal pressures to participate in multiple para-sports before committing to shooting in 2021.
Her strength and accuracy have roots in her wrestling background, which gave her an advantage when it came to upper body strength and control, playing a key role in her podium finish.
3. Preethi Pal – Women’s 100m and 200m T35 – Bronze
Preethi Pal (Photo: Shutterstock)
Preethi Pal created history for Indian athletics at the Paralympics by becoming the first Indian to win two medals on the track. Born in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, and diagnosed with cerebral palsy, she collected bronze medals in both the T35 100m and 200m events.
Her achievement stands out as it ended the country’s long-standing streak of only earning medals in field events since 1984. Pal’s determination has added a new chapter to the nation’s track record in para-sports.
4. Manish Narwal – Men’s 10m Air Pistol SH1 – Silver
Manish Narwal, aged 22, added another Paralympic medal to his name by winning silver in Paris 2024. Born with a congenital condition affecting his right hand, he initially stumbled upon shooting when visiting a local range.
With guidance from coach Jai Prakash Nautiyal, Narwal quickly climbed the ranks, setting records in both junior and senior competitions and proving himself as one of the country’s finest para-shooters.
5. Rubina Francis – Women’s 10m Air Pistol SH1 – Bronze
Rubina Francis, a native of Jabalpur, overcame the physical limitations caused by clubfoot to earn a Paralympic bronze in pistol shooting. The specially crafted footwear she uses enabled her to gain balance and precision in her shooting stance.
Her parents, a nurse and a garage mechanic, supported her ambition despite limited financial means. Her achievements in Paris mark a first for Indian women in this category of shooting.
6. Nishad Kumar – Men’s High Jump T47 – Silver
After losing his right hand in a childhood farm accident, Nishad Kumar turned to sports under the influence of his mother, who had competed at the state level. Starting with sprinting and wrestling, he eventually found his strength in the high jump.
Nishad Kumar (Photo: Alamy)
His unwavering focus and commitment to improvement were rewarded with a silver medal in Paris, showing that perseverance can carry an athlete to the global stage.
7. Yogesh Kathuniya – Men’s Discus Throw F56 – Silver
Yogesh Kathuniya battled health issues such as Guillain-Barre syndrome, chickenpox, and cervical radiculopathy on his journey to the Paralympic podium.
With the help of his mother, who ensured he followed a strict rehabilitation routine, he regained physical control and turned his attention to athletics. His silver medal at Paris is a reflection of years of physical and mental discipline, especially during difficult moments when progress seemed slow.
8. Nitesh Kumar – Men’s Singles SL3 (Badminton) – Gold
A tragic train accident in 2009 led to Nitesh Kumar undergoing a leg amputation, but that did not deter him. While enrolled at IIT-Mandi, he discovered a strong interest in badminton and began training seriously.
His efforts paid off in Paris, where he secured gold in the SL3 category. Now employed as a senior badminton coach, he uses his story to encourage young players facing physical limitations.
9. Thulasimathi Murugesan – Women’s Singles SU5 (Badminton) – Silver
Thulasimathi Murugesan was born with a left-hand deformity, and things became harder after an accident at age 22. Encouraged by her father, she turned to badminton and found her calling in the SU5 category.
Her persistence took her to the finals in Paris, where she earned a silver medal. Today, she stands as a strong voice for aspiring athletes with physical disabilities.
10. Manisha Ramadass – Women’s Singles SU5 (Badminton) – Bronze
Manisha Ramadass, who was born with Erb’s palsy that affected her right arm, began training in para-badminton on the recommendation of a friend.
Their strength goes far beyond the podium (Photo: Getty Images)
Her rise was rapid and impressive, earning her 11 golds and five bronze medals in 2022. At only 19 years old, she took home a bronze medal from Paris, adding another achievement to her growing list and reinforcing her status in international badminton.
11. Suhas Yathiraj – Men’s Singles SL4 (Badminton) – Silver
Suhas Yathiraj balances public service with athletic success, working as an IAS officer while excelling in badminton. With a deformity in his left ankle, he beat the odds to win silver medals at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Paralympics.
His unique journey includes academic and athletic honours, and he remains the only Indian IAS officer to receive an Arjuna Award along with a Paralympic medal.
These athletes have risen through obstacles that could have stopped others in their tracks. Their stories speak of determination, strong will, and a drive to rise above life’s challenges, setting new standards for generations to come.
