Paris Paralympics 2024: Firsts & Records of Indian Para Athletes in Paralympic Games

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India's journey in the Summer Paralympics began in 1968, with participation at the 1972 Games as well. However, it wasn't until 1984 that the nation returned to the Paralympic stage after a long hiatus, and since then, India has consistently participated in every edition.

Over the years, Indian athletes have made significant strides, setting and breaking numerous records, culminating in an extraordinary performance at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, which stands as India's most successful Paralympic outing to date.

Murlikant Petkar: India's First Paralympic Gold Medallist

Murlikant Petkar holds a special place in India's Paralympic history as the nation's first Paralympic gold medallist. At the 1972 Heidelberg Games, Petkar won gold in the men's 50m freestyle swimming event with a world record time of 37.33 seconds.

This historic achievement not only earned India its first Paralympic medal but also its first individual gold at the Games. Petkar's gold remains a significant milestone in India's Paralympic journey.

Deepa Malik: First Indian Woman to Win a Paralympic Medal

Deepa Malik made history at the Rio 2016 Paralympics by becoming the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic medal. She secured a silver in the women's shot put F53 event.

Her achievement was a landmark moment for Indian women in sports, opening the door for more female athletes to pursue excellence at the Paralympics. Malik's silver also contributed to India's best-ever tally at the time, marking a turning point in the country's Paralympics.

Devendra Jhajharia: Most Paralympic Medals by an Indian

Devendra Jhajharia equaled Joginder Singh Bedi's long-standing record of three Paralympic medals. Bedi had created history in 1984 by winning a silver in men's shot put L6, and two bronze medals in men's javelin F46 and men's discus throw L6, becoming India's first multi-medallist Paralympian.

Jhajharia, who ended India's 20-year medal drought at the Paralympics with a gold in men's javelin F44/46 at Athens 2004, added another gold in the same event at Rio 2016, and a silver at Tokyo 2020, making him one of India's most decorated Paralympians.

Avani Lekhara: First Indian Woman to Win a Paralympic Gold

Avani Lekhara made history at Tokyo 2020 by becoming the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic gold medal. Competing in the women's 10m air rifle standing SH1, Lekhara not only won gold but also set a new Paralympic record and equaled the world record with a score of 249.6 in the final, matching the record set by Ukraine's Iryna Shchetnik in 2018.

Lekhara further etched her name in the record books by winning a bronze in the women's 50m rifle 3 positions SH1, becoming the first Indian woman to win two Paralympic medals.

Harvinder Singh: First Indian Archer to Win a Paralympic Medal

Tokyo 2020 was also notable for Indian archery, as Harvinder Singh became the first Indian archer to win a Paralympic medal. He secured a bronze in the men's individual recurve open event, defeating South Korea's Kim Min Su in a thrilling shoot-off after losing to USA's Kevin Mather in the semi-finals.

Bhavina Patel: First Indian Table Tennis Player to Win a Paralympic Medal

In her debut Paralympics, Bhavina Patel made history by becoming India's first table tennis player to win a Paralympic medal. She won silver in the women's singles Class 4 category, defeating several top-ranked players, including reigning champion Borislava Peric of Serbia. Though she lost the final to world No. 1 Zhou Ying of China, Bhavina Patel's silver was India's first medal at Tokyo 2020.

Sumit Antil: World and Paralympic Record in Men's Javelin F64

Sumit Antil's performance in the men's javelin F64 event was one of the highlights of India's campaign. He not only clinched gold but also set a new world record with a throw of 68.55 meters, breaking his own previous record multiple times during the event. His final throw of 68.55 meters set a new benchmark in the category.

Manish Narwal: Paralympic Record in P4 Mixed 50m Pistol SH1

Indian shooter Manish Narwal added to the country's success in shooting by winning gold in the P4 mixed 50m pistol SH1 event with a score of 218.2, setting a new Paralympic record. The world record in this category, which stands at 229.1, is also held by Narwal.

Nishad Kumar: Asian Record in Men's High Jump T47

Nishad Kumar won a silver medal in the men's high jump T47 category with a jump of 2.06 meters, equaling his own Asian record set earlier at the 2021 World Para Athletics FAZZA Grand Prix in Dubai.

Although he missed the gold, which was won by USA's Roderick Townsend-Roberts with a world record jump of 2.15 meters, Nishad's performance was a significant achievement.

Praveen Kumar: Asian Record in Men's High Jump T64

Praveen Kumar also made his mark in high jump, setting a new Asian record with a leap of 2.07 meters to win silver in the men's high jump T64 category. He broke his own previous Asian record of 2.05 meters, set at the 2021 World Para Athletics FAZZA Grand Prix in Dubai.

Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj: First Civil Servant to Win a Paralympic Medal

Another historic moment came in para-badminton, where Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj became the first civil servant to win a Paralympic medal. Competing in the men's SL4 category, Suhas won a silver medal, further expanding India's diverse achievements at Tokyo 2020.

India's Paralympic journey, from Murlikant Petkar's gold in 1972-the country's first Paralympic medal and the first individual gold-to the record-shattering performances at Tokyo 2020, reflects the incredible progress and determination of Indian para-athletes.