Strategic planning and robust support systems have been crucial. The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) has provided financial aid and world-class training.
Arhan Bagati
India’s journey in para-sports has been nothing short of transformative, with the Paris 2024 Paralympics marking a historic milestone. Arhan Bagati, 22, founder of KYARI and Impact Ambassador to the Paralympics Committee, reflects on India’s unprecedented success, the athletes’ grit, and the strategies driving this evolution, while charting a vision for the future. In conversation with India's youngest-ever Deputy Chef De Mission :
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Q1: How would you summarize India’s historic performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games?
Arhan Bagati: The Paris 2024 Paralympics marked a defining chapter in India’s sporting history. Our para-athletes achieved a record-breaking tally of 29 medals-7 gold, 9 silver, and 13 bronze-showcasing resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. This success builds on the foundation laid at Tokyo 2020, where India won 19 medals. In Paris, 84 Indian athletes competed in 12 disciplines, including debut sports like para-cycling, para-rowing, and blind judo.
Q2: Can you highlight some standout performances from the Paris Paralympics?
Arhan Bagati: Of course. Some key highlights include:
- Avani Lekhara defending her gold in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 with a world record.
- Navdeep Singh earning gold in the men’s javelin throw F41.
- Sumit Antil breaking his own world record to win gold in the men’s javelin throw F64.
- Sheetal Devi, a 17-year-old archery prodigy, becoming India’s youngest Paralympic medalist with a bronze.
- Preethi Pal, who secured two bronzes in the 100m and 200m T35 events, becoming India’s most decorated track athlete in Paris.
- Harvinder Singh making history as India’s first Paralympic gold medalist in archery.
- Dharambir and Parnav Soorma showcasing resilience, winning gold and silver in the men’s club throw F51.
Q3: What policies and initiatives have contributed to India’s rise in para-sports?
Arhan Bagati: Strategic planning and robust support systems have been crucial. The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) has provided financial aid and world-class training. The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) and corporate sponsorships have also played a key role. Hosting international events has strengthened India’s global standing, and the upcoming Para Athletics World Championships 2025 in New Delhi reflects this commitment to fostering excellence and inclusion.
Q4: What challenges did Indian para-athletes face, and how were they overcome?
Arhan Bagati: The journey to Paris wasn’t without hurdles. Infrastructure gaps, mental health pressures, and the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic were significant challenges. However, the unwavering spirit of our athletes, support systems, and collaborations with international organizations enabled access to advanced training techniques and cutting-edge technologies, helping them overcome these obstacles.
Q5: What broader impact has India’s Paralympic success had on society?
Arhan Bagati: The ripple effects extend beyond sports. Increased visibility for para-athletes has driven inclusivity, inspired underserved communities, and nurtured new talent. Investments in para-sports infrastructure have created jobs and boosted local economies. Recognizing the importance of mental health, counseling and wellness programs have been integrated into athlete training for holistic development.
Q6: How can India sustain this momentum, and what’s the vision for the future of para-sports?
Arhan Bagati: Sustaining momentum requires expanding grassroots programs to discover talent, leveraging AI and data analytics for personalized training, and building global partnerships for innovation. A new initiative aims to integrate adaptive sports into schools and colleges, ensuring a steady pipeline of future Paralympians. Hosting the Para Athletics World Championships 2025 will further elevate India’s position in para-sports. The Paris Paralympics showed the transformative power of para-sports, and India’s journey from Tokyo to Paris is a testament to resilience, inclusivity, and the power of dreams.
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