India's Historic Participation in Paris Paralympics Opening Ceremony

New Delhi: Over 100 members of the Indian contingent, including 52 athletes, are set to make their mark at the Paris Paralympics opening ceremony on Wednesday. This ceremony will be historic, as it will be the first time the event is held outside a traditional stadium, taking place at the iconic Champs-Elysees and Place de la Concorde in Paris.

However, several Indian athletes, including the entire 10-member shooting team, will not participate in the parade of nations due to their upcoming competitions on Thursday. Devendra Jhajharia, President of the Paralympics Committee of India, emphasized that athletes with events on August 29 must focus on their performance rather than the opening festivities. “It would be challenging for these athletes to compete the following day if they take part in the ceremony,” Jhajharia stated.

The shooting team, led by star athlete Avani Lekhara, who is defending her Tokyo Paralympics gold medal, is based in Chateauroux, over 200 kilometers from Paris. The distance and tight competition schedule necessitate their absence from the ceremony.

India’s contingent for the parade will include 106 members, comprising 52 athletes and 54 officials. Javelin thrower Sumit Antil (F64) and shot putter Bhagyashree Jadhav (F34), both defending champions from Tokyo, will serve as joint flag bearers for India.

India is participating with a record 84-member team at the Paris Paralympics, aiming for a strong medal tally of 25, with hopes for double-digit gold medals. In the previous Tokyo Paralympics, India secured an impressive 19 medals, including five golds, with a smaller 54-member team. The Indian athletes are determined to surpass their past achievements and shine on the global stage in Paris.