The Inspiring Stories Behind India’s Paralympic Medallists at Paris 2024
India’s Paralympic athletes have shown remarkable resilience, overcoming immense physical challenges to achieve a historic medal tally at the Paris Paralympics 2024. These inspiring stories of perseverance and triumph go beyond the sports field, reflecting each athlete’s journey and determination.
Avani Lekhara – Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 – Gold
Avani Lekhara made history at the Paris Paralympics as the first Indian woman to win two Paralympic gold medals. Paralyzed from the waist down after a car accident at age 11, Lekhara faced immense challenges but found solace in shooting. Initially trying archery, she later discovered her talent in shooting with the help of a coach. Her parents’ unwavering support helped her navigate accessibility issues at training ranges, paving the way for her record-breaking achievements.
Mona Agarwal – Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 – Bronze
Mona Agarwal, a 37-year-old mother of two from Sikar, Rajasthan, made her Paralympic debut in Paris, clinching a bronze medal. Despite battling polio since childhood and facing societal challenges, Agarwal pursued her passion for sports, competing in various para-sports before settling into shooting in late 2021. Her success in shooting is attributed to her wrestling background, which strengthened her upper body and aim.
Preethi Pal – Women’s 100m and 200m T35 – Bronze
Preethi Pal became the first Indian track and field athlete to win two medals at the Paralympics, earning bronzes in the T35 100m and 200m events. Born in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, and living with cerebral palsy since childhood, Pal broke India’s pattern of winning only field event medals in athletics since 1984, marking a new era for Indian para-athletes.
Manish Narwal – Men’s 10m Air Pistol SH1 – Silver
Manish Narwal, a 22-year-old shooter with a congenital impairment in his right hand, won a silver medal at Paris 2024, adding to his gold from Tokyo 2020. Narwal discovered his talent for shooting when he visited a local range, and with the support of coach Jai Prakash Nautiyal, he rose to break multiple junior and senior records, becoming one of India’s top para-shooters.
Rubina Francis – Women’s 10m Air Pistol SH1 – Bronze
Rubina Francis, a 25-year-old from Jabalpur, was born with clubfoot, which hindered her ability to balance and shoot. With specially designed shoes, she overcame her challenges and became the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic medal in pistol shooting. Despite financial struggles, her parents, a garage owner and a nurse, remained her biggest supporters, guiding her to success.
Nishad Kumar – Men’s High Jump T47 – Silver
Nishad Kumar lost his right hand in a farm accident as a child. Inspired by his mother, a state-level athlete, he initially participated in sprints and wrestling before excelling in the high jump. His relentless dedication earned him a silver medal in Paris, cementing his place among India’s elite para-athletes.
Yogesh Kathuniya – Men’s Discus Throw F56 – Silver
Yogesh Kathuniya, diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome, overcame immense adversity to win a silver medal in Paris. Despite setbacks like chickenpox and cervical radiculopathy, his mother’s dedication to his physiotherapy helped him regain mobility. Kathuniya’s perseverance and focus on mental strength remain his driving forces as he aims for future gold.
Nitesh Kumar – Men’s Singles SL3 (Badminton) – Gold
Nitesh Kumar’s journey began after a train accident in 2009 left him needing a leg amputation. While pursuing his studies at IIT-Mandi, Kumar found a passion for badminton and soon excelled, winning gold in the SL3 class at Paris 2024. Kumar now works as a senior badminton coach, inspiring others with his story of resilience.
Thulasimathi Murugesan – Women’s Singles SU5 (Badminton) – Silver
Born with a deformity in her left hand, Thulasimathi Murugesan faced significant challenges after a serious accident at 22. With her father’s encouragement, she pursued badminton, ultimately winning silver at Paris 2024. Her determination and sporting talent have made her a role model in the para-badminton community.
Manisha Ramadass – Women’s Singles SUS (Badminton) – Bronze
Manisha Ramadass, born with Erb’s palsy affecting her right arm, began her para-badminton journey after a friend’s suggestion. Her rapid rise saw her winning 11 gold and five bronze medals in 2022 alone. At just 19, she earned a bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics, adding to her reputation as a top-ranked player in her category.
Suhas Yathiraj – Men’s Singles SL4 (Badminton) – Silver
Suhas Yathiraj, an IAS officer and para-shuttler, defied expectations by winning silver medals at both Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. Despite a congenital deformity in his left ankle, Yathiraj excelled academically and professionally, becoming the only Indian IAS officer to receive both an Arjuna Award and a Paralympic medal.
These inspiring athletes have not only excelled in their respective sports but have also set a new standard for overcoming adversity, proving that no obstacle is too great to achieve greatness. Their stories are a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and the human spirit.