Indian Paralympic athletes returned to a hero’s welcome at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Saturday morning, marking the end of their remarkable campaign at the Paris Paralympics. Fans gathered in large numbers to greet the para-athletes, showering them with flower petals and cheers.
Among those arriving were standout athletes Avani Lekhara, Mona Agarwal, Pranav Soorma, Rakesh Kumar, and Manish Narwal. Their return was celebrated with great enthusiasm, reflecting the pride and admiration of the Indian public.
Avani Lekhara, the star India parashooter, expressed her satisfaction with the games, highlighting her achievements. She secured gold in the women’s 10m air rifle final, becoming the first Indian woman to win two gold medals in Paralympic history.
Mona Agarwal, another prominent figure, shared her excitement about her first Paralympic experience. She won a bronze medal in the same event as Lekhara and spoke of the overwhelming support she received.
Para-archer Rakesh Kumar, who won bronze in the Mixed Team Compound event with partner Sheetal Devi, attributed his success to his coaches. Kumar expressed his commitment to improving for future competitions.
The Indian archery duo of Kumar and Devi secured their bronze medal by narrowly defeating the Italian pair Eleonora Sarti and Matteo Bonnacina with a score of 156-155.
The Paris Paralympics, which began on August 28 and concluded on September 8, saw India achieve its highest-ever medal tally at the Games. With a total of 27 medals—six gold, nine silver, and twelve bronze—India surpassed its previous record of five gold medals from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
The impressive performance by Indian para-athletes has brought immense pride to the nation, with significant contributions from athletes like Lekhara, Agarwal, and Kumar. The athletes’ achievements underscore India’s growing prominence in the Paralympic sports arena.
The ongoing celebrations and warm reception for the returning athletes reflect the nation’s appreciation for their hard work and dedication. As they return home, the Indian Paralympic team leaves behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration.