September 2nd, 2024 will be remembered as a day of triumph and glory for India at the Paris Paralympics. With eight medals added to the nation’s tally, India’s athletes put on a stellar show, raising the country’s total medal count to 15 and securing a place in the top 15 on the overall medal table.
Sumit Antil: A Legend in the Making
The star of the day was undoubtedly Sumit Antil, the Indian javelin thrower who etched his name in the history books yet again. After clinching gold at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021, Sumit returned to the global stage in Paris with the confidence of a champion. In a stunning display of athleticism, Sumit broke his own Paralympic record not once, but twice.
His first throw of 69.11m set a new benchmark, only for him to surpass it minutes later with a monumental throw of 70.59m, securing his second consecutive Paralympic gold. The Sonipat-born athlete, now a two-time Paralympic champion, displayed incredible poise and precision throughout the competition, leaving his competitors trailing in his wake.
Nitesh Kumar’s Gritty Gold in Badminton
In another moment of sheer brilliance, Nitesh Kumar emerged victorious in a nail-biting badminton final. Competing in the men’s singles SL3 category, Nitesh faced off against Great Britain’s Daniel Bethell in what turned out to be a match for the ages.
The match was a test of endurance and skill, with the two athletes pushing each other to the limit. After winning the first game 21-14, Nitesh found himself on the back foot as Bethell stormed back to take the second game 21-18. The third game was a rollercoaster, with momentum swinging back and forth. Nitesh’s aggressive smashes and tactical play ultimately gave him the edge, as he clinched the final game 23-21 to win his first gold medal at the Paralympics.
Mixed Emotions for Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi
The dynamic duo of Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi showcased their tenacity in the compound archery mixed team event, earning a bronze medal despite falling short of their ultimate goal. Both had earlier faced disappointments in their individual events, but they channeled their frustration into a determined performance in the team competition.
After a heart-breaking semi-final loss to Iran, where the match was decided by a shoot-off, Rakesh and Sheetal regrouped to win their bronze medal match. Their resilience was a testament to their fighting spirit, and their podium finish added another proud moment to India’s remarkable day.
Silver Lining for Yogesh Kathuniya
Yogesh Kathuniya continued to build on his legacy in the men’s discus throw (F56 category), earning his second consecutive silver medal. Despite his hopes of clinching gold, Yogesh delivered a strong performance, with his best throw of 42.22m. However, it was not enough to surpass Brazil’s Claudiney Batista Dos Santos, who set a new Paralympic record of 46.86m. Yogesh’s silver adds to his growing list of accolades, further establishing him as one of India’s premier para-athletes.
Badminton: Silver Streak Continues
India’s dominance in badminton was evident with two more silvers added to the tally. Suhas Yathiraj faced a tough challenge in the men’s singles SL4 final against France’s Lucas Mazur, who had the home crowd behind him. Despite his best efforts, Suhas was unable to overcome Mazur’s powerful game, losing 9-21, 13-21.
Similarly, Thulasimathi Murugesan gave it her all in the women’s singles SU5 final but came up short against China’s Yang Qiuxia. The Indian shuttler fought valiantly but ultimately lost in straight games, 17-21, 10-21.
Bronze Medalists Add to India’s Glory
The day also saw Manisha Ramadass and Nithya Sre Sivan make their mark by winning bronze medals in their respective events. Manisha’s bronze in the women’s SU5 category and Nithya’s in the women’s singles SH6 added further sheen to India’s impressive medal haul.
A Day to Remember
India’s performance on Monday at the 2024 Paris Paralympics will be etched in the annals of history. The athletes’ determination, skill, and sheer willpower have made the nation proud. With 15 medals in total, including multiple golds, silvers, and bronzes, India is making a strong statement on the global stage. As the games continue, the country eagerly awaits more such moments of glory.
