Who are some of the Indian athletes who have won medals at the Tokyo and Paris Paralympics?

 At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, which were held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Indian athletes delivered an outstanding performance, securing 19 medals — five gold, eight silver, and six bronze — marking India's best-ever performance at the Paralympic Games. Notable among the medalists was Avani Lekhara, who made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a gold medal in the Paralympics. She achieved this feat in the R2 women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 event and also won a bronze in the R8 women's 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 event, making her the first Indian woman to win two medals at the same Paralympics. Another remarkable achievement came from Sumit Antil, who won a gold medal in the men’s javelin throw F64 category, setting a world record with a throw of 68.55 meters.

Other standout performers from India in the Tokyo Paralympics included Manish Narwal, who won gold in the mixed 50m pistol SH1 shooting event, and Pramod Bhagat, who clinched gold in the men’s singles SL3 badminton event, establishing India's prowess in the newly introduced sport at the Paralympics. Silver medalists like Nishad Kumar (men's high jump T47), Yogesh Kathuniya (discus throw F56), and Bhavina Patel (women's singles table tennis class 4) also brought glory to the country. Meanwhile, athletes like Singhraj Adhana, who earned a bronze and a silver in shooting events, and Devendra Jhajharia, who secured a silver in the javelin throw F46 event, demonstrated India's growing strength in Paralympic sports.

The Paris 2024 Paralympics are yet to take place, so there have not been any medals won by Indian athletes at these Games as of now. However, the successes at Tokyo have raised hopes and expectations for the upcoming event, as India’s Paralympians continue to train hard and aim for even more significant achievements. The Tokyo Games have set a high benchmark for India’s Paralympic contingent, and there is great anticipation that the athletes will build on their impressive performance, bringing home more medals and setting new records in Paris.