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.
Sri Lanka's national cricket team bounced back from two heavy losses to defeat the New Zealand national cricket team in the third ODI in Auckland. They were led by stellar performances from Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga, and Maheesh Theekshana, who each claimed three wickets. Pathum Nissanka, who retired hurt but returned to score 66 off 42 balls, was the top-scorer for Sri Lanka. New Zealand suffered an early collapse, with five of their top six batsmen dismissed for two runs or less, ultimately succumbing to a 140-run defeat.
Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana made history by becoming the second Indian woman to reach 4000 runs in one-day international (ODI) cricket. In a match against Ireland, Mandhana led her team to a successful chase with her explosive batting, adding 41 runs off just 29 balls. She achieved this milestone in 95 innings, making her the third fastest player to do so. Previously, only Mithali Raj had scored over 4000 runs in women's cricket for India. Mandhana's feat also puts her in an elite group of players who have scored 4000 runs in under 100 innings, joining the likes of Belinda Clarke and Meg Lanning. This achievement also highlights the impressive growth and success of women's cricket in India.
In a high-scoring match, opener Pathum Nissanka led the way for Sri Lanka, scoring a quickfire 66 before retiring with an injury. However, he returned later to add crucial runs to the total and help his team post a competitive target of 290-8. Despite a strong start from New Zealand, Sri Lanka's bowlers were able to restrict them to just 150 runs, with seamer Matt Henry claiming four wickets. Sri Lanka's convincing win in the final ODI gave them a series clean sweep after losing the first two matches.
As the search for a new manager continues for Everton, it seems that David Moyes is in talks for a potential return to the club. This comes as the latest development in the FA Cup news conferences, with Moyes being one of many managers speaking about transfers and team news. Other highlights include Amorim's thoughts on Man Utd's transfers and Bentancur's return after a concerning injury. Stay involved with #bbcfootball for all the latest updates.
As the SA20 League 2025 gets underway, it will be a clash of the titans as Durban Super Giants take on Pretoria Capitals, with star players Heinrich Klaasen, Kane Williamson, and Liam Livingstone leading the charge for their teams. Klaasen's destructive batting, Williamson's experience and resilience, and Livingstone's raw power and versatility make them the ultimate game-changers in T20 cricket.
As the January transfer window heats up, Manchester City are looking to bolster their squad with the addition of Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens. This comes after a difficult first half of the season for the Citizens. Meanwhile, rivals Manchester United are also in the market for new players, potentially including striker Marcus Rashford in a swap deal with Napoli. Liverpool, on the other hand, may wait to see how the transfer market unfolds before making any decisions about new signings. Keep up with all the latest transfer news and rumors in our live blog.
The Saudi Pro League is back in action for its new season, with increased global attention and an exciting race for the title. More international stars have joined top teams, such as Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, creating a more competitive league. Indian fans can catch all the action live on Sony Sports channels or through Sony LIV. As the league looks to further expand its global reach, it will be interesting to see how the new season unfolds with multiple teams contending for the title.
In their opening match of the Betway SA20 tournament, Durban's Super Giants put on an impressive performance, thanks to an unbeaten fifth-wicket partnership of 91 in just 41 balls between Kane Williamson and Wiaan Mulder. Despite some heroic bowling from Senuran Muthusamy, who claimed 3/21 in his four overs, the Pretoria Capitals were unable to contain the pair's explosive hitting. This partnership proved to be the turning point in the match, giving the home team a strong advantage and setting a challenging target of 209.
India’s women’s cricket team skipper, Smriti Mandhana expresses disappointment over her team’s fielding performance in the first ODI against Ireland. Despite registering a comfortable victory, Mandhana believes that the team needs to improve in the fielding department and restrict the opposition to lower scores. She also praises the bowling unit for their efforts in challenging conditions and highlights the importance of executing plans in upcoming matches.
In a dominant performance, the Indian women's cricket team defeated Ireland by six wickets in the first match of the three-match series in Rajkot. Despite being without captain Harmanpreet Kaur and bowler Renuka Singh Thakur, India showed no signs of struggle as they dismissed Ireland for just 56 runs. Medium pacer Titas Sadhu and spinner Priya Mishra were the stars of the show, taking three wickets each.