Tokyo Paralympics 2021
The 16th Summer Paralympics, Tokyo Paralympics 2021 is happening from 24th August to 5th September 2021. The number of sports played in total is 9- Badminton, shooting, athletics, canoeing, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, archery, and powerlifting. There have been a total of 54 athletes participating from India in the Tokyo Paralympics. However, the total number of participants in the Tokyo Paralympics is 4537. International Paralympics Committee governs the Indian players playing in Tokyo.
Mariyappan Thangavelu and Sharad Kumar won silver and bronze respectively in the men’s high jump on Tuesday ( 31st August). Mariyappan and Sharad have participated in the T42 Classification. T42 classification is for athletes with leg deficiency or impaired range of movements in the legs. Earlier on Tuesday, Singhraj Adhana bagged the bronze medal in the P1 Men’s 10m air pistol SH1 event. Also, Sumit Antil made a name for himself in javelin throw as he claimed the gold medal in the F64 event. He made a world record of Javelin’s throw by the effort of 68.55 meters.
Avani Lekhara scripted history and became the first Indian woman to win the gold medal in the Paralympics. She is a rifle shooter. Hence, she participated in the R-2 Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 Event. The 19-year-old, Avani became the world Paralympic champion as she achieved the record score of 249.6 meters in the finals. Avani Lekhara will also be competing in the women’s 50m Rifle 3 positions SH1, mixed 50m Rifle prone event, and the mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone SH1.
Yogesh Kathuniya, India’s Discus thrower, claimed the silver medal in the men’s F56 event in the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics. In 2017, he got to know about para-sports. A keen learner and determined to achieve goals, Yogesh took up Javelin’s throw and discus throw. He became equally equipped with both sports. The very next year, he made a world record in the F36 category at the Para Athletics Grand Prix in Berlin.
Indian sportspersons have showcased an impeccable performance in the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics. India is rejoicing with the achievements of all the athletes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated all the winners and said that ‘India is proud of you.’ Abhinav Bindra who won the 2008 Olympic gold medal congratulated shooter Singhraj Adhana on winning the bronze medal.
Indian players have won 10 medals till now in the Tokyo Paralympics. India has bagged 2 Gold medals, 5 silver medals, and 3 bronze medals. The games are still continuing and we all are positive about the medal tally. #PraiseforPara has been trending on Twitter.