'Our focus this time is to convert those into gold': Athletics Team Backed to Bring 10 Medals

After the historic performance by the Olympians in Paris, it is time for the Para-Olympians to showcase their mettle in the French capital. The objective would be to cross the 19-medal mark that India attained in the Tokyo edition that took place in 2021.

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Athletics to Bring 10 medals

As the Paris Paralympics 2024 kicks off on Wednesday, India’s Para-athletics team is poised for an impressive showing, aiming to secure 10 medals, including a minimum of five gold. This bold goal is set by Satyanarayana, the team’s head coach, who is optimistic about their preparation and resolve. He noted that their objective is to surpass their achievements from the previous Games.

Speaking about the team’s goals, Satyanarayana remarked, “In Tokyo, many of our athletes secured silver and bronze medals. Our focus this time is to convert those into gold. The training has been intense, and our athletes have shown incredible dedication. Most of them have already reached Paris to acclimatize to the conditions and continue their rigorous training.”

The athletes expected to clinch gold for India include Sumit Antil (Men’s Javelin F64), Mariyappan Thangavelu (Men’s High Jump T42), Deepthi Jeevanji (Women’s 400m T20), Sachin Khilari (Men’s Shot Put F46), Ekta Bhyan (Women’s Club Throw F52) and Simran Sharma (Women’s 200m T12).

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India To Have Its Biggest Ever Contingent For Paralympics

The 54-member squad in Tokyo fetched a total of 19 medals in the Paralympics 2020 and with 84 members selected for the Paris Paralympics, there could be an increment in the number of Paralympics as well. Here's the list of para-athletes who will represent India in the upcoming global spectacle.

India had won 19 medals at the Tokyo Paralympics and a historic 111 medal at the Para Asian Games.

"This is the biggest para contingent India has ever sent to the Paralympics. We are very confident about the overall performance and are sure to win more than 25 medals," Jhajharia said here at a event organised by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI).