TNFChandigarh/ Prabhjot Kaur
In the 2012 London Paralympics, India celebrated a singular moment of triumph when Girisha Hosanagara Nagarajegowda won a silver medal in the men’s high jump. For a nation that had returned empty-handed from the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, this was a significant achievement, highlighting the country’s potential in para sports and raising questions about its overall attitude towards athletes with disabilities.
The modest success of 2012 sparked discussions about whether a single medal was sufficient for a country with millions of people with disabilities. This concern, however, has been largely addressed in recent years. India’s performance in the subsequent Paralympics has shown remarkable improvement, with the country clinching four medals in Rio 2016, twenty in Tokyo 2020, and an impressive twenty-nine medals in Paris 2024.
The Paris Paralympics showcased several inspiring moments for India. For instance, Sheetal Devi, who competes without arms, won a bronze medal in mixed compound archery alongside Rakesh Kumar. Navdeep Singh achieved a record-breaking throw of 47.32 meters in javelin, earning gold in the F41 category, designated for athletes with short stature. These successes reflect a significant leap in the growth and recognition of Indian para athletes over just a decade.
Despite these advancements, India still trails behind leaders like China, Great Britain, and the United States in the medal tally. Yet, supporters of para sports in India believe that the tide is turning, and several factors contribute to this positive shift.
One major change has been the increased investment in para athletics from government agencies, coaches, and corporate firms. This support has not only helped in unearthing and nurturing new talent but has also encouraged more individuals with disabilities to pursue para sports professionally. Gaurav Khanna, the head coach of the Indian para badminton team, notes a significant rise in the number of athletes participating in the sport. “When I joined the para badminton team in 2015, there were only 50 athletes in the national camp. Now that number has surged to 1,000,” he explains.
This growth is a far cry from the earlier days when discovering talent often involved spotting potential athletes in unconventional places like shopping malls or on rural roads. Khanna recalls the difficulty of convincing parents to support their children’s involvement in para sports, emphasizing how far the situation has come since then.
Advancements in technology have also played a crucial role. With India’s rising economic status, para athletes now have access to top-notch equipment tailored to their specific needs. Khanna highlights that earlier, athletes had to make do with whatever equipment was available, but now, the standards have vastly improved.
Sumit Kumar, a disability rights activist, acknowledges a broader shift in societal attitudes. He notes that families are increasingly supportive of children with disabilities pursuing sports and sees this as a sign of changing perspectives on disability. “The fact that people with disabilities are excelling in sports provides hope for future generations,” Sumit says.
Government initiatives like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and private organizations such as the Olympic Gold Quest have been instrumental in this progress. These programs have provided essential support and resources to para athletes, enabling them to reach their full potential. Furthermore, private support has also been crucial for athletes like Sheetal Devi, who was discovered and nurtured by a private organization despite having limited exposure to archery initially.
Social media has further amplified the visibility of para athletes, allowing them to connect with audiences and share their stories directly. This has led to increased commercial opportunities and public recognition, as seen with Sheetal Devi, who has become as well-known in India as some Olympic stars.
Despite these advancements, significant challenges remain. India still has a long way to go in making public spaces more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities. Malhotra, who has faced job discrimination despite his qualifications, hopes that the success of Indian para athletes will gradually change employers’ attitudes towards hiring disabled individuals.
While India’s success in Paris is a cause for celebration, Khanna and Malhotra stress that there is still much work to be done. Grassroots facilities and training for para athletes need improvement, especially in major cities. Khanna calls for more trained coaches and better facilities to ensure that even disabled children in remote areas have access to quality training and support.
As India celebrates its achievements, the focus must now shift to sustaining this momentum and addressing the gaps that remain in supporting para sports and athletes.
