October 12, 2024
India on the Rise
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India’s Triumph in High Jump at Paris 2024 Paralympics: Sharad Kumar and Mariyappan Thangavelu Shine

ndia had a remarkable day at the Paris 2024 Paralympics as Sharad Kumar and Mariyappan Thangavelu soared to new heights, securing silver and bronze medals in the men’s high jump T63 class. This achievement not only elevated India’s medal tally but also highlighted the perseverance and grit of two incredible athletes.

Sharad Kumar’s Silver Journey

Sharad Kumar, a 32-year-old para-athlete, delivered a stellar performance by clearing a height of 1.88 meters. While he narrowly missed the gold, which was claimed by the USA’s Ezra Frech with a new Paralympic record of 1.94 meters, Sharad’s silver finish marked his second Paralympic medal. His previous achievement came in Tokyo 2020, where he secured a bronze with a 1.83-meter jump.

Reflecting on the intense competition, Sharad said, “That was an amazing competition. All the athletes pushed each other to perform to the best, especially Ezra and myself. This was the toughest competition I have faced in my life. It was the greatest event I have ever attended.”

Mariyappan Thangavelu’s Historic Feat

Mariyappan Thangavelu, another exceptional athlete, secured the bronze medal with a jump of 1.85 meters. What makes this win extraordinary is that it marks his third consecutive Paralympic medal, a record for an Indian para-athlete. Mariyappan’s journey to glory began with a gold medal at Rio 2016 (1.89 meters) and continued with a silver at Tokyo 2020 (1.86 meters).

Both Sharad and Mariyappan belong to the T42 sports class, which includes athletes with limb deficiencies, such as amputations or congenital conditions. Their personal stories of overcoming adversity are truly inspirational. Sharad contracted polio at the age of two, while Mariyappan suffered a tragic road accident at five, leaving him permanently disabled in his right leg.

India’s Paralympic Success Soars

These medals significantly contributed to India’s best-ever performance at the Paralympics. With 20 medals so far, the nation has surpassed its previous record of 19 medals from Tokyo 2020. Furthermore, India’s overall Paralympic medal count has crossed the milestone of 50, with 51 medals as of Tuesday.

This event also marked India’s fourth double podium finish at the Paris 2024 Games. Earlier in the day, Ajeet Singh won silver and Sundar Singh Gurjar clinched bronze in the men’s javelin throw F46 final, further boosting India’s standing in the international arena.

A Celebration of Resilience

Sharad Kumar and Mariyappan Thangavelu’s accomplishments are a testament to their resilience, determination, and passion for their sport. Their stories inspire millions across the globe, and their victories bring immense pride to the country. India’s para-athletes continue to break barriers and push boundaries, making their mark on the global stage.

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