Nita Ambani, an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member and founder-chairperson of Reliance Foundation, extended heartfelt congratulations to the Indian contingent for their outstanding performance at the recently concluded Paris 2024 Paralympics.
The Indian para-athletes made history by securing an unprecedented haul of 29 medals, including seven gold, nine silver, and 13 bronze. This achievement shattered India’s previous record of 19 medals at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
In her statement, Nita Ambani expressed immense pride in India’s para-athletes, highlighting their role in breaking both records and barriers. She praised their determination and success for uniting the nation in celebration and inspiring millions to dream big. Ambani’s remarks, as quoted from a press release, encapsulated the nation’s admiration for the athletes: “India stands tall today because of your grit, talent, and achievements.”
The Paris 2024 Paralympics saw India’s largest-ever contingent of 84 para-athletes competing across 12 disciplines, up from nine in Tokyo. India also debuted in three new sports—para-cycling, para-rowing, and blind judo. This expansion in participation contributed to India’s historic medal haul, showcasing the country’s growing strength in Paralympic sports.
Several remarkable feats defined India’s campaign, including Avani Lekhara’s second consecutive gold in women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1, making her the first Indian woman to win two Paralympic golds. Dharambir and Parnav Soorma secured India’s first one-two finish in para-athletics, clinching gold and silver in the men’s club throw F51, with Dharambir setting an Asian record.
India also celebrated its first-ever archery champion across the Olympics and Paralympics, as Harvinder Singh captured gold in individual recurve para-archery. The nation’s seven golds further emphasized its best-ever ranking in the Paralympics, marking a new era for Indian para-sports.
