Paris Paralympics Games 2024

• 10 Sep 2024

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, the Prime Minister lauded India’s best-ever performance of para-athletes at the Paris Paralympic Games 2024.

• India witnessed its ‘best-ever campaign’ in the Paris Paralympics 2024 bagging a total of 29 medals. It included 7 gold, 9 silver and 13 bronze medals.

What are the Key Facts About the Paralympics?

• About: The Paralympics is the largest international event for disabled athletes and takes place shortly after the Olympic Games.
  • Olympic-style games for athletes with a disability were organised for the first time in Rome in 1960.
  • It is supervised by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), a body recognised by the IOC.
• Venue: On 19th June 2001, an agreement was signed between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the IPC for  "one bid, one city".
  • It means that cities looking to host the Olympic Games automatically have to include the Paralympics as part of their bid.
• About Paris Paralympic Games 2024: The Paris Paralympic Games 2024 took place between 28th August and 8th September 2024 and featured approximately 4,400 athletes from around the world.
  • Sports Discipline: Athletes competed in 22 sports, making it a comprehensive event that showcases diverse athletic talents.
  • Mascot: The Paralympic Phryge, inspired by the Phrygian cap, is the mascot for  Paris Paralympic Games 2024. It symbolises liberty and freedom. 
• Overall Performance: China finished on top with 94 gold medals. Great Britain finished second with 49 golds while the United States came third with 36 golds.

How was India’s Performance in the Paris Paralympic Games 2024?

• Delegation: India sent a delegation of 84 para-athletes, competing in 12 disciplines (Tokyo 2021- 9 disciplines). Para Cycling, para-rowing, and blind judo were new additions.
• Performance: India secured 29 medals comprising 7 golds, 9 silvers, and 13 bronzes.
  • India finished in 18th position.
  • India also crossed the milestone of 50 medals in the history of the competition.
• Rapid Improvement: India won a total of 12 medals from its Paralympic debut in 1968 (Tel Aviv, Israel) up to 2016, including four medals at the Rio Games in 2016. 
  • However, in the next two editions, Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024, India's performance improved significantly, adding 48 medals and bringing the total to 60.
• Gold in Javelin Throw: India's Navdeep Singh was awarded a gold medal in the men's javelin throw F41 final after Iran's Beit Sayah Sadegh was disqualified. He had originally won silver.
  • This is India's first-ever gold medal in the men's javelin F41 category.
    • F41 Category is a competition class for field athletes with short stature.

What are the Government Initiatives for Sport Promotion?

• Target Olympic Podium Scheme
• Fit India Movement
• Khelo India
• National Sports Awards Scheme
• National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) 

Read More: India at Paris Olympics 2024