The Paralympic Committee of India announced that India will participate in 12 disciplines at the Paris Paralympics Games, including three new sports.
There will be an increase in the members of Indian Paralympic contingent at Paris Paralympic Games as declared by the Paralympic Committee of India. In Tokyo Paralympics 2020, India represented in nine sports. But this year the athletes will be participating in twelve sports.
This expansion includes the addition of Para Cycling, Para Rowing, and Blind Judo, showcasing the growing diversity and talent of India’s Paralympic athletes.
Arshad Shaikh from Andhra Pradesh will make his Paralympic debut in Para Cycling. Arshad secured his Paris Paralympic Games quota by winning a silver medal in the Men’s Elite Individual Time Trial C2 category at the Asian Road Para Cycling Championships. He also clinched a gold medal in the C2 15km Scratch final at the Asian Track Cycling Championships.
Kongannapalle Narayana, also from Andhra Pradesh, will represent India in Para Rowing. A former Indian Army soldier, Narayana lost his left leg below the knee due to a landmine blast in Jammu and Kashmir. He has shown remarkable resilience and skill, winning a silver medal in the PR3 mixed doubles sculls alongside Anita at the 2022 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China.
Kokila Kaushiklate, a visually challenged para-athlete from Haryana, will compete in Blind Judo. Kokila secured her Paralympic quota by winning a bronze medal in the Judo Women’s 48 kg J2 event at the 2022 Asian Para Games in Guangzhou, China. Her international accolades also include a silver medal at the Commonwealth Judo Championships in 2019.
“We are incredibly proud of our athletes and their achievements. The addition of three new sports to our Paralympic roster highlights the increasing depth and talent within our Paralympic community. We are confident that our athletes will continue to inspire and excel on the world stage,” said Devendra Jhajharia, President of Paralympic Committee of India.
