The fifth day of the Paris Paralympics saw India winning a total of seven medals, bringing their tally to an impressive number. Star shooter Avani Lekhara, who has already won a gold, has qualified for the women's 50m rifle 3 positions final, while Bhagyashree Jadhav, who carried India's flag at the opening ceremony, missed out on a medal in her shot put F34 Final. Indian athletes Mariyappan Thangavelu, Shailesh Kumar, Sharad Kumar, Ajeet Singh, Rinku, and Sundar Singh Gurjar will also be competing in various events, with high hopes of clinching more medals for the country.
India's Impressive Performance at the Paralympics
India has made waves at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, with a tally of seven medals on the fifth day of competition. This brings the nation's overall medal count to a remarkable number.
History of Indian Success
India's Paralympic journey began at the 1968 Tel Aviv Games, where Murlikant Petkar won India's first Paralympic medal, a bronze in weightlifting. Since then, India has consistently participated in the Paralympics, showcasing the determination and resilience of its athletes.
The 2020 Tokyo Paralympics proved to be a watershed moment for India, as the nation secured 19 medals, including five golds. This historic achievement propelled India into the top 25 medal-winning countries at the Paralympics.
Current Standouts
Avani Lekhara, who made history by winning India's first Paralympic gold medal in shooting at the 2020 Tokyo Games, continues to excel in Paris. She has qualified for the finals in the women's 50m rifle 3 positions event.
Bhavinaben Patel, a table tennis star, is also making waves in Paris. She has advanced to the semifinals in the women's individual class 4 event.
Top 5 FAQs about the Paralympics
1. What is the Paralympics? The Paralympics is an international multi-sport event for athletes with physical disabilities.
2. When and where were the first Paralympics held? The first Paralympic Games were held in Rome, Italy in 1960.
3. What sports are included in the Paralympics? The Paralympics includes a wide range of sports, including athletics, swimming, wheelchair basketball, and shooting.
4. Who is eligible to compete in the Paralympics? Athletes with physical disabilities that affect their ability to perform in able-bodied sports are eligible to compete in the Paralympics.
5. How are medals awarded at the Paralympics? Medals are awarded to the top three athletes in each event, regardless of their disability category.
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