India's Historic Medal Haul at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020
The Tokyo Paralympics 2020 saw the Indian contingent breaking multiple records and reaching milestone achievements. There were 54 athletes representing the nation at Tokyo and back then it was the biggest Indian contingent at the games. The Tokyo Olympics 2020 had just gotten over and the Indian athletes had shined with seven medals.
The Tokyo Paralympics 2020 saw India’s athletes giving the fans more reasons to celebrate with their performances. It was for the first time that the medal tally was in double digits and the mark was breached quite comfortably.
The podium finishes came pouring as there were also instances where multiple medals were won by the Indian athletes in the same event.
Avani Lekhara's Double Triumph
The Indian contingent saw 18 athletes securing 19 medals. Shooter Avani Lekhara became the first Indian woman to win two medals at the Paralympics. She won a gold medal in the women’s 10m air rifle SH1 event and a bronze medal in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 event. This extraordinary achievement cemented her place in history, making her the second Indian after Joginder Singh Bedi, who had won three medals at the Stoke Mandeville/New York 1984 games, to win multiple medals in a single edition of the Paralympics.
The Journey to Double-Digit Medals
India's previous best medal tally at the Paralympics was four in Rio 2016 and Stoke Mandeville/New York 1984. The Tokyo Paralympics 2020 saw India surpass this mark with a resounding 19 medals. The country's medal haul was a testament to the dedication and hard work of the athletes and the support they received from the nation.
Bhavina Patel: India's First Medal
Bhavina Patel had won India’s first medal at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020 in the women’s singles table tennis Class 4 category. She won silver after losing the final to the then world no. 1 Zhou Ying of China. This victory was a significant milestone for India, setting the stage for the incredible medal haul that followed.
Krishna Nagar's Golden Finale
India’s 19th and final medal at the Tokyo Paralympics was secured by Krishna Nagar in the men’s singles badminton SH6 category. He defeated Hong Kong’s Chu Man Kai in the final and only dropped a single game on his way to the gold medal. This victory capped off a memorable Paralympics for India, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with in the global Paralympic stage.
An Inspiring Legacy
The Tokyo Paralympics 2020 was a momentous occasion for Indian sports. The athletes' achievements not only brought glory to the nation but also inspired millions across the country. These victories served as a testament to the potential of Indian athletes and their determination to compete on a global stage. The success of the Indian contingent at the Tokyo Paralympics will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the development of Paralympic sports in India, paving the way for future generations of athletes to achieve similar feats.
The Future is Bright
The Indian Paralympic contingent's performance at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020 is a beacon of hope and inspiration for the future. With a renewed focus on Paralympic sports and the growing support from the government and the public, India is poised to achieve even greater heights in the coming years. The athletes' stories of resilience and perseverance will continue to inspire millions, ensuring that the legacy of the Tokyo Paralympics lives on.
