22 medals (4 gold, 8 silver, 10 bronze) so far at Paris Paralympics is India's best-ever haul, surpassing the previous edition's tally of 19, mainly due to outstanding performances by shuttlers and track & field athletes.
Here is an outline of the major factors behind this medal glut and the country's steady rise in Paralympics
KEYS TO SUCCESS
Govt Support: All 84 participating athletes supported by govt schemes, given foreign exposure, mainly in form of international competitions, & guided by international experts.
Recovery Centre: Set up for the 1st time at Games Village for Indian athletes to ensure they have full support for in-competition injury rehab.
More Coaches & Support Staff: 77 in total, up from 45 in Tokyo 2020.
Sports Science: Extensive use of data & timely intervention to identify injuries.
Para-Badminton: Introduced in Tokyo, where Indian shuttlers bagged 4 medals. In Paris, they have won 1 more.
Close Tab: Review of performance of athletes on a weekly basis at national camps and on exposure trips.
Selection Policies: Based on best international practices.
184% More Funds: 74cr spent in Paris Paralympics cycle (2021-'24), up from 26cr in Tokyo cycle.
Medallists Over Multiple Paralympics
Avani Lekhara (women's shooting): 3 (2G, 1 B)Mariyappan Thangavelu (men's high jump): 3 (1G, 1S, 1B)Sumit Antil (men's javelin): 2GManish Narwal (shooting): 2 (G & S)Suhas Yathiraj (men's badminton): 2SYogesh Kathuniya (men's discus): 2SNishad Kumar (men's high jump): 2SSharad Kumar 2 (S & B)Sundar Singh Gurjar: 2B
