Paralympics Paris 2024 : All you need to know I Blog By Team Bookosmia

Paralympics Paris 2024 : All you need to know

How did the Paralympic games start?

After the Second World War, there were a large number of veterans and civilians who were injured. To motivate them, the British Government requested Dr. Ludwig Guttmann to open a spinal injuries center at the Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Great Britain and help them take up sport for rehabilitation. Over time, this became popular and from a sport for rehabilitation, it evolved into a sport for competition. In 1948, Dr. Guttmann organized the first competition for wheelchair athletes under the name ‘Stoke Mandeville Games’, in which 16 injured military personnel participated in archery. These games evolved into the Paralympic Games, which were first held in Rome in 1960 with 400 participants from 23 countries. Since then, the games have been held every four years. 

When and where are the Paralympic Games being held?

The 2024 Paralympic Games will be held in Paris, France, between August 28 and September 8.

How many athletes will take part?

Around 4000 athletes from around the world are expected to compete across 22 sports for 549 medal events. 

What sports will be contested?

There are 22 sports on the program, including para archery, para athletics, para badminton, blind football, boccia, para canoe, para cycling, para equestrian, goal ball, para judo, para powerlifting, para rowing, shooting para sport, sitting volleyball, para swimming, para table tennis, para taekwondo, para triathlon, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair fencing, wheelchair rugby, and wheelchair tennis.

India at the Paralympics

India made its debut in the summer paralympic games in 1968. Since 1984, India has participated in every edition of the summer paralympic games. India has never participated in the winter paralympic games. 

Quick facts : India at the Paralympics

India’s first medal : Gold in 1972, won by Murlikant Petkar in Swimming

India’s best finish: 2020 Tokyo. Haul of 19 medals (5 gold, 8 silver and 6 bronze)

First woman para athlete to win: Deepa Malik Silver medal in shot put in 2016

Indian contingent at the Paralympics: 

65 paralympic athletes are expected to take part in the 2024 Paralympics across 12 sports, including archery, athletics, badminton, cycling, paracanoeing, rowing, shooting, swimming, table tennis and taekwondo. 

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