The 2024 Paris Paralympics is set to be a landmark event for India, as the country sends its largest-ever delegation of 84 athletes to compete across 12 sports. This represents a significant increase from the 54 athletes who represented India at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
What is Paralympic games
The Paralympic Games are an international multi-sport event for athletes with physical disabilities, including mobility disabilities, amputations, visual impairments, and intellectual disabilities. paralympic games are the similar event to the Olympic Games and organized in the same place shortly after every Olympic Games. The Paralympic Games were first held in 1960 in Rome, Italy, with 400 athletes from 23 countries participating. Since then, the Paralympic Games have grown to become one of the largest international sport events in the world, featuring thousands of athletes from over 160 countries competing in a variety of sports.
Paralympic committee for 2024-2028
The PCI has recently announced the list of office bearers for the 2024-2028 term. Here are the key members:
- Shri. Devendra, President: A Padma Bhushan and Khel Ratna awardee, Devendra is a Paralympic medalist and a government employee. He will lead the PCI as the President.
- Shri. R Chandrashekar, Vice President: At 44 years of age, Chandrashekar will serve as the Vice President of the PCI.
- Smt. Sarita Sharma, Secretary General: Sarita Sharma, a seasoned sports administrator, has been appointed as the Secretary General of the PCI.
- Shri. Naresh Kumar Sharma, Treasurer: Naresh Kumar Sharma will oversee the financial management of the PCI as the Treasurer.
- Smt. Deepa Malik, Executive Council Member: Deepa Malik, a renowned Paralympic medalist, has been included in the Executive Council of the PCI.
- Shri. Bhati Chandulal Tarachandji, Executive Council Member: Bhati Chandulal Tarachandji, representing the Athletics Federation of India, is a part of the PCI’s Executive Council.
This experienced and accomplished team will be responsible for guiding India’s paralympic athletes towards success at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.
PCI’s Commitment to Para-Sports Development
The PCI the indian paralympic committee has been responsible for promoting and developing paralympic games in India. Some of its key initiatives include:
- Hosting Major Para-Sports Events: The PCI has successfully organized several international para-sports events, such as the Indian Open Para Athletics International Championships and the World Para Athletics Championships.
- Grassroots Development: The PCI works closely with state units and national federations to identify and nurture young para-athletes from the grassroots level.
- Athlete Welfare: The PCI provides comprehensive support to its athletes, including training, coaching, equipment, and financial assistance.
- Governance and Transparency: The PCI is committed to maintaining high standards of governance and transparency, as evident from its regularly published financial statements and committee reports.
As India gears up for the Paralympic Games 2024, the PCI and its dedicated leadership team will play a pivotal role in ensuring the country’s continued success in the world of para-sports.
Read also:- Record-Breaking India’s Paralympic Campaign at Paris 2024 Schedule, Events.
Indian Paralympic Athletes to Watch Out For
Some of the key Indian athletes to look out for at the Paris 2024 Paralympics include:
- Avani Lekhara (Para Shooting): The 22-year-old athelet already made history at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. she achieved the honour to become the first Indian woman to win a gold medal in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event. She will be prepared to defend her title in Paris.
- Sumit Antil (Para Athletics): The men’s F64 javelin throw gold medalist from Tokyo 2020 and a two-time world champion, Antil will be aiming for another dominant performance.
- Bhavina Patel (Para Table Tennis): The silver medalist in the women’s singles Class 4 event at Tokyo 2020, Patel will be seeking to upgrade her medal in Paris.
- Harvinder Singh (Para Archery): The first Indian to win a Paralympic medal in archery, Singh claimed a bronze in the men’s individual recurve event in Tokyo and will be a strong contender in Paris.
These are the basic difference between Olympic Games and Special Paralympic Games
The Paralympic Games and the Special Olympic Games are both international multi-sport events for athletes with physical and intellectual disabilities, but they differ in several key ways:
- Eligibility: One of the very basic difference is that the Paralympic Games are for athletes with physical visual and intellectual disabilities and the Special Olympics are specifically organized for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
- Competition Level: The Paralympic Games feature elite-level competition, with athletes aiming to set world records and win gold medals. The Special Olympics emphasize participation, inclusion, and personal achievement over competitive results.
- Governing Bodies: The Paralympic Games are governed by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), while the Special Olympic Games are organized by the Special Olympics International.
- Frequency: another differencr is that the Paralympic Games are organized every four years, following the Olympic Games while the Special Olympics World Games are organized every two years.
Overall, both the Paralympic Games and the Special Olympic Games play a vital role in promoting inclusivity, empowering athletes with disabilities, and celebrating their remarkable achievements.