<a href='null'><div><img height='400px' width='auto;' class='img_dynaPost' src='/BlitzMobiImages/consumers/company551995499/mediafiles/ZHmYcfjU560.tmp'/></div></a><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><p><span style="font-size: 14px;">India’s participation in the Paris 2024 Paralympics was marked by deeply personal stories of athletes who overcame various challenges to secure medals for their country. These athletes, who participated in various sports ranging from athletics to archery, judo, and badminton, represent a collective strength born out of individual resilience.&nbsp;</span></p><p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/preeti_pal_200m/?hl=en">PreethiPal</a>: Breaking Barriers in Track Events<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Preethi Pal was born with a condition that led to weakened legs, which progressively worsened as she grew older. Navigating this challenge, she turned to athletics as a means to challenge her physical limitations. Her dedication resulted in a significant performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, where she secured two bronze medals in the women's 100m T35 and 200m T35 events. Preethi’s journey to these milestones was marked by a daily struggle to balance her physical condition with rigorous training, supported by a network of coaches and access to specialized equipment, enabling her to reach the Paralympic stage.</span></p></p><span></div><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kapiljudo/?hl=en">Kapil Parmar</a>: Rising From a Life-Altering Accident<o:p></o:p></p><p>Kapil Parmar’s life changed drastically after a childhood accident where he was electrocuted while playing in the fields. The incident left him with permanent physical impairments, forcing him to take up small jobs, including selling tea, to make ends meet. Despite this, Kapil found a path forward through judo. His entry into para-judo, a discipline that requires significant physical and mental strength, eventually led to him winning a bronze medal in the men’s 60kg J1 class at Paris. His story is one of persistence, showing how para-sports provided a framework for him to recover a sense of purpose and achievement.</p><span></div><a href='null'><div><img height='400px' width='auto;' class='img_dynaPost' src='/BlitzMobiImages/consumers/company551995499/mediafiles/sE8rfNdd555.tmp'/></div></a><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sheetal_archery/?hl=en" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Sheetal Devi</a><span style="font-size: 14px;">: Innovating in Archery Without Arms</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;">Sheetal Devi was born without arms and learned from a young age to adapt to her condition. She found her calling in archery, a sport traditionally reliant on arm strength, but trained to use her legs to draw and shoot the bow. At just 17, she became a notable figure in Indian para-sports, participating in the compound mixed team event with her teammate Rakesh Kumar. They secured a bronze medal for India. Her journey into archery began in her hometown, where she trained under special guidance that focused on adaptive techniques. Sheetal’s participation in the Paris Paralympics is an example of how customized training can empower athletes to challenge norms.</span></p><span></div><a href='null'><div><img height='400px' width='auto;' class='img_dynaPost' src='/BlitzMobiImages/consumers/company551995499/mediafiles/rrxMd5KF556.tmp'/></div></a><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/harvindersingh07/">Harvinder Singh</a>: Focus and Discipline in Archery<o:p></o:p></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;">Harvinder Singh has been an integral part of India’s para-archery team. In the previous Tokyo Paralympics, he won a bronze medal, and in Paris, he continued his journey, securing a gold medal in the men’s individual recurve event. Harvinder's training has always centered around consistent practice and staying calm under competitive pressure. His ability to handle the stress of high-level competition reflects years of preparation and discipline. His journey into para-archery started as a means to overcome personal struggles, and through the sport, he found a way to connect with a larger community of athletes who share similar experiences.</span></p><span></div><a href='null'><div><img height='400px' width='auto;' class='img_dynaPost' src='/BlitzMobiImages/consumers/company551995499/mediafiles/NFzbeCpZ557.tmp'/></div></a><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><p><span style="font-size: 14px;">Dharambir Singh: Support Through Community in Club Throw</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;">Dharambir Singh was paralysed from the waist down after a diving accident. He found solace and a new direction through the support of fellow para-athlete Amit Kumar Saroha, who guided him in his early days of para-sports training. Dharambir entered club throw, a discipline he had little exposure to before his accident. In the F51 class at Paris, he secured a gold medal, with his training partner Pranav Soorma earning silver. His journey underscores the importance of mentorship and the support networks that exist within the para-sports community.</span></p><span></div><a href='null'><div><img height='400px' width='auto;' class='img_dynaPost' src='/BlitzMobiImages/consumers/company551995499/mediafiles/HdCEHG4V558.tmp'/></div></a><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/antil_sumit7698/?hl=en">Sumit Antil</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/avani.lekhara/?hl=en">Avani Lekhara</a>: Continued Focus After Injury<o:p></o:p></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;">Sumit Antil and Avani Lekhara were among the athletes returning to defend their previous Paralympic titles. Sumit, whose leg was amputated after an accident, began his journey in javelin throw as part of his rehabilitation. His training led him to compete at the highest levels, culminating in his second successive gold in the javelin F64 event. Similarly, Avani Lekhara’s path to competitive shooting started after an accident that left her wheelchair-bound. Her success in the air rifle SH1 event was the result of long hours spent refining her technique and preparing for the pressure of Paralympic competition.</span></p><span></div><a href='null'><div><img height='400px' width='auto;' class='img_dynaPost' src='/BlitzMobiImages/consumers/company551995499/mediafiles/8Wd3tcju559.tmp'/></div></a><a href='null'><div><img height='400px' width='auto;' class='img_dynaPost' src='/BlitzMobiImages/consumers/company551995499/mediafiles/YKreWJG2561.tmp'/></div></a><div style=' background:#FFFFFF;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana;width:auto;padding:5px;max-height:100%;'><span><p><span style="font-size: 14px;">Systemic Support and the Role of Government</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;">The Government of India has played a significant role in supporting para-athletes through initiatives such as the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). This program provides financial assistance for training, access to advanced facilities, and support for recovery and medical care. The program’s focus on specialized coaching, psychological support, and international exposure has contributed to the athletes' ability to compete at such a high level. Furthermore, sports federations and non-profit organizations working with differently-abled athletes have expanded access to adaptive equipment and inclusive training programs, creating an environment that allows athletes to excel.</span></p><span></div>