Paris Paralympics: Bhagyashree Jadhav, Sumit Antil named India's flag-bearers
What's the story
India has selected shot-put champion Bhagyashree Jadhav and javeli-thrower Sumit Antil as the flag bearers for the upcoming 2024 Paris Paralympics. This announcement was made on August 16, marking a significant moment in India's sports history. The duo will lead an unprecedented contingent of 84 athletes, surpassing the previous record of 54 participants set at the Tokyo Games.
Jadhav
Jadhav's journey to the Paralympics
Bhagyashree Jadhav, a native of Maharashtra, has established herself globally in shot put. Her sports career began in 2017 before she quickly rose to prominence by securing medals across international events, including the Feja World Cup and the World Para Athletics Games. She won the silver medal in the shot put F34 category at the 2022 Asian Para Games. She also finished seventh at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.
Antil
Antil's record-breaking achievements
Sumit Antil, a javelin star para-athlete, holds the current world record in the F64 category. He clinched the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, recording a throw of 68.55m. Antil continued his winning streak by securing the gold medal at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships. At the 2022 Asian Para Games, Antil set a new world record of 73.29m.
Expansion
India expands participation in Paris Paralympics
The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) has announced that the country will compete in three new sports at this year's games - para cycling, para rowing, and blind judo. This brings the total number of sports India is participating in to 12. The number of female participants has increased from 14 in Tokyo to 32 in Paris, reflecting a significant increase in women's representation.