The 17th edition of the Paralympic Games kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony in Paris, with Indian athletes Sumit Antil and Bhagyashri Jadhav proudly leading the 84-strong Indian contingent. Titled "Paradox", the ceremony showcased a fusion of French fashion and choreography before the athletes took center stage. In attendance were French President Emmanuel Macron and International Paralympic Committee head Andrew Parsons, setting the stage for a thrilling sporting event.
The Paralympics: A Journey of Triumph and Inspiration
The Paralympic Games, a global sporting event for athletes with disabilities, has captivated the world with its stories of resilience, determination, and triumph. Since its inception in 1960, the Paralympics has evolved into a major sporting spectacle, showcasing the abilities of extraordinary athletes who rise above physical challenges.
Paris 2024: The 17th Edition
On August 28th, 2024, Paris will host the 17th edition of the Paralympic Games, following the success of the 2012 London Games and the 2016 Rio Games. Titled "Paradox," the opening ceremony will blend French fashion and choreography, with the participation of French President Emmanuel Macron and International Paralympic Committee head Andrew Parsons.
84-Strong Indian Contingent
India will be represented by an 84-strong contingent at Paris 2024, led by javelin thrower Sumit Antil and swimmer Bhagyashri Jadhav. Antil, a Paralympic champion in the F64 category, holds the world record in the men's javelin throw. Jadhav, a multiple medalist in the S7 category, is known for her success in the pool.
Top 5 FAQs on the Paralympics
1. Who can participate in the Paralympics? Athletes with physical, visual, or intellectual disabilities are eligible to participate in the Paralympics. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) classifies athletes into different categories based on their type and degree of disability.
2. What sports are included in the Paralympics? The Paralympics includes a wide range of sports, including athletics, swimming, cycling, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, and boccia. The specific sports offered vary by edition depending on the venue and available facilities.
3. How often are the Paralympics held? The Paralympic Games are held every four years, following the Summer Olympic Games. The Winter Paralympics are also held every four years, alternating with the Summer Paralympics.
4. What is the significance of the Paralympics? The Paralympics raises awareness about the abilities of athletes with disabilities and challenges societal stereotypes. It also promotes inclusion and accessibility, inspiring people around the world to embrace diversity and strive for greatness.
5. What are some of the most memorable moments in Paralympic history? Throughout its history, the Paralympics has produced countless unforgettable moments. Some of the most notable include:
The Paralympics continues to be a platform for celebration, inspiration, and inclusivity. As the world eagerly awaits the 2024 edition in Paris, the spirit of the Paralympics will undoubtedly shine brightly once again.
During the club's annual general meeting, Real Madrid's outspoken president, Florentino Perez, criticized top football governing bodies UEFA and FIFA for the new Champions League format and increased number of matches. He also blamed these changes for the injury woes of several players in the team. Perez's strong words emphasize the ongoing tension between club owners and the authorities, and highlight the potential consequences of prioritizing commercial interests over the well-being of players and the sport itself.
In a career that has been marked by numerous successes, Indian cricketer Virat Kohli added another milestone as he scored his 30th Test hundred against Australia in Perth. Not only did he surpass the legendary Sir Donald Bradman's tally of 29 Test hundreds, but he also broke his own personal drought of not scoring a century since July 2023. This knock was not just a personal victory for Kohli, but was also a crucial contribution to the team's cause. Credit was given to his wife, Anushka Sharma, who has been his support through the tough times in his red ball cricket career.
The Premier League title race heated up as Liverpool secured a late 2-0 victory over Southampton at St Mary's. After Manchester City's shocking 4-0 loss to Tottenham, the Reds took advantage and extended their lead at the top of the table. Salah proved to be the hero for Liverpool, scoring two goals to secure the win and put his team in a commanding position. Follow the thrilling match between Southampton and Liverpool in our live updates.
The highly anticipated IPL mega auction for 2025 is set to begin on November 24 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. With 577 players in the running and 201 slots to be filled across the franchises, fans can expect a thrilling bidding war for some of the biggest names in cricket including Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Jos Buttler, Kagiso Rabada, and Mitchell Starc. 12 top players have been split into two groups and will be the first to go under the hammer, followed by the remaining capped and uncapped players. The live telecast will be available on Star Sports with streaming on Jio Cinema. Mark your calendars for March 14, 2025, as the next IPL season begins.
Real Madrid's expectations for success are already sky-high, but with the recent addition of Kylian Mbappe, there may be even more tension within the team. It seems that not all of the players were on board with the Frenchman's transfer, potentially causing disharmony within the squad. This news comes as a surprise since the club is fresh off a historic double-win and the addition of Mbappe was expected to only strengthen their already dominant team.
After a long wait, Indian Cricket team captain Virat Kohli finally hit his first test century since July 2023 in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. This century not only helped Kohli break out of a rut but also gave India's second innings a much-needed boost with a lead of 533 runs against Australia at Perth's Optus Stadium. Kohli's confident and dominant performance, along with able partnerships with Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy, has all but put a loss out of equation for India in the ongoing test. Celebrating his century, Kohli dedicated it to his wife Anushka Sharma, who has always been by his side through thick and thin.
Team India sets a challenging target of 534 runs for Australia in the first Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Spinners Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar will play a crucial role in the remaining five Tests over 45 days. The team management's decision to add three spinners to the squad seems strategic, with the sudden preference for all-rounder Washington Sundar, who impressed both legendary Wasim Akram and head coach Ravi Shastri. India's dominant performance in the first innings, led by Yashasvi Jaiswal (161), Virat Kohli (100), and KL Rahul (77), gives them a good start in the tournament.
On Day 2 of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth, Indian openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal took charge, leading India to an unbeaten score of 172/0, effectively 218/0. This puts them in a strong position to push for a victory in the next two days. Despite a tricky pitch, the Indian openers remained determined and focused, showcasing their skill and technique. This day will go down in history for India as they continue to dominate in this prestigious trophy.
21-year-old Nitish Reddy impresses in debut Test match, hitting 41 runs in just 59 balls and showcasing fearlessness against Australia's bowling attack. His upper cut for six off his IPL captain, Pat Cummins, was a highlight of his inning and showed his strength and composure. Reddy's performance helped India reach 150 runs and his partnership with Rishabh Pant helped salvage the innings. As Reddy and Cummins prepare for the IPL 2025 auction where they both retain with Sunrisers Hyderabad, fans can look forward to more thrilling clashes between the teammates.
Indian batting sensation Virat Kohli made history at Optus Stadium, Perth on Sunday by surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record of most Test centuries by an Indian batter in Australia and equalling former Australian captain Ricky Ponting's record of most 100s in India-Australia Tests played in Australia. Kohli's 30th Test century in 14 matches also helped him overtake Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara in the list of batters with most runs in India-Australia Tests.