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| Kapil Parmar became the first Indian to win a Paralympic judo medal, securing bronze in the men's 60kg J1 category at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. |
India witnessed a proud moment at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, as visually impaired judoka Kapil Parmar made history by becoming the first Indian to secure a medal in judo at the Paralympics. Parmar, who competed in the men’s 60kg (J1) category, won a bronze medal after a hard-fought victory against Brazil’s Eliston de Oliveira in the playoff round. This remarkable achievement added to India’s growing tally of medals at the Games, bringing the nation’s count to 25 medals.
Parmar's Journey: A Triumph Over Adversity
Kapil Parmar’s path to success has been filled with challenges. His visual impairment was the result of an accident during childhood, but that did not deter him from pursuing judo and ultimately representing India on the global stage. His perseverance paid off at the Paris Games, where he demonstrated tremendous grit and skill to clinch the bronze medal in his Paralympic debut.
A Podium Finish Amid Growing Paralympic Success
Parmar's victory contributed to India's overall medal tally, which now includes five gold, nine silver, and 11 bronze medals. The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) had set a goal to secure at least 25 medals before the Games, and athletes like Parmar have played a pivotal role in achieving this target.
Other notable performances include:
- Dharambir, who won gold in the men's club throw event with a new Asian record of 34.92m.
- Pranav Soorma, who secured the silver in the same event, closely following Dharambir’s lead.
- India's archery duo, Harvinder Singh and Pooja Jatyan, narrowly missed out on a bronze medal in a tense shoot-off.
India’s Rise in Paralympic Sports
India has shown steady progress in the Paralympics over the years, with performances improving with each edition of the Games. The Paris 2024 Paralympics has continued this trend, as India pushes the boundaries in various disciplines, including judo, athletics, and archery. The success of athletes like Parmar highlights the increasing support and resources being directed toward Paralympic sports in India.
With athletes like Kapil Parmar leading the charge, India’s future in adaptive sports looks bright, and the nation can expect even greater successes in upcoming international competitions.
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