India’s Paralympic Triumph: Time for Equal Support and Investment

India's para-athletes outperformed expectations at the Paris Paralympics, securing a record 29 medals, including seven golds, nine silvers, and 13 bronzes. This success, led by icons like Avani Lekhara and Nitish Kumar, marks India’s best-ever performance, surpassing the combined tally from the last three Paralympics. In stark contrast, the Indian contingent at the Paris Olympics fell short, winning only six medals.

Despite their success, India's para-athletes face significant disparities in financial support. The government invested Rs 520 crore in the Olympic contingent, compared to just Rs 74 crore for the Paralympics. However, with para-sports gaining more attention, the sports ministry has increased its investment since Tokyo, ensuring access to better training and international exposure for athletes.

Experts stress the need for more grassroots support and sponsorship for para-sports, drawing inspiration from China’s inclusive development programs. The future looks promising for India’s para-athletes, but sustained government and corporate backing will be crucial to unlocking their full potential ahead of the 2028 Games.