From Paris to the Podium: How the 2024 Paralympics Redefined Excellence

 

BY SARA, SHREYA DUBEY AND TANVEEN KAUR

What makes an Olympic event truly unforgettable? For Paris 2024, it wasn’t just the spectacle of world-class athletics but the record-shattering support it garnered. With an astounding 12.1 million tickets sold—9.5 million for the Olympics and 2.5 million for the Paralympics—the Games surpassed the previous record set by London in 2012. Paralympic athletics and swimming sessions even outpaced their Olympic counterparts in ticket sales, highlighting the growing global fascination with Paralympic sports. Furthermore, a remarkable 45 million viewers tuned in to watch the Paralympic competitions, signaling a shift in the way the world celebrates athletes of all abilities.

The 2024 Paralympic medals are uniquely designed, incorporating a piece of the iconic Eiffel Tower, cut into a sleek hexagon. They also feature an intricate engraving of the tower from below, a breathtaking view immortalized in metal. What makes these medals even more special is their tactile feature: each medal's surface is engraved with distinctive patterns and Braille, allowing athletes to distinguish between gold, silver, and bronze simply by touch.






Beyond the medals, assistive technology is revolutionizing the way Paralympians compete. Innovations such as advanced prosthetics and high-performance wheelchairs are helping athletes break barriers. The “Equipped for Equity” campaign, launched by the WHO and the IPC, highlights how these technologies empower athletes, even as global access to them remains a challenge. The Paralympics serve as a global reminder that, with dedication and innovation, we can make the sporting world—and the world at large—more accessible for our differently-abled friends.


India with a tally of 29 medals including 7 gold, 9 silver and 13 bronze recorded its best at Paralympics 2024. The 84-member contingent, competing in 12 disciplines, debuted in para-cycling, para-rowing, and blind judo. The tri-colour made its way to the 18th place in overall rankings owing to their extraordinary performances, particularly in track and field which alone secured 17 medals.





With Avani Lekhara displaying her world-class shooting prowess and Sheetal Devi edging records in archery, our athletes captured the hearts of millions across the country. From a medal-less campaign in 2008 to a historic feat in 2024, India has been at the forefront of the Paralympic revolution. 





This success reflects the growing investment from both government and corporate sectors, advancements in technology, and a shift in societal attitudes towards para-athletes. Our heroes, who have continually challenged norms and broken barriers, now set their sights on Los Angeles 2028, ready to rewrite history once again!


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