- At the best of times, the Indian sporting scenario is not exciting at all vis-à-vis performances at international events when a nondescript country throws up champions defeating the best in the business. There exists a widespread perception that Indian athletes lack the requisite killer punch to excel at international-level competitions. History is replete with numerous instances when our athletes are found to be also-rans rather than best the best in the sporting arena. Of course, sporadic sporting excellence from some of the unheralded athletes has made us proud by winning on the biggest platform available like the Olympics. However, it must be mentioned without any ambiguity that we could have been much better endowed in terms of wins and recognition.
PC: Outlook India
- Efforts are underway by the Union Government and the Olympic Association to produce champion athletes who could bring laurels to the country in several disciplines. Needless to mention, it’s a work in progress that would demand more time, resources, patience, and effort from all the stakeholders. Most hearteningly, the welcome results have appeared more prominently in the last decade or so with some of the Indian athletes emerging victorious while competing with the best from around the world in events like the Olympics. While this aspect is most fulfilling, our para-athletes too are showing great verve despite encountering humongous challenges facing society’s indifference as well as inadequate sporting facilities.
- Thus, our para-athletes’ great showing at the Paris is a reminder of the need to create more disabled-friendly spaces in India allowing a level playing field for them. Mind you, India’s excellent performance at the Paris Paralympics is a testament to the cablibre and dedication of our para-athletes. With 29 medals – 7 gold, 9 silver, and 13 bronze – our contingent delivered its best-ever performance. Even more heartwarming is the fact that as many as 10 women have made India proud too. Each medal winner represents an extraordinary story of triumph in the face of adversity. Take Sumit Antil. He repeated his Tokyo performance, winning a gold in men’s javelin (F64). And shooter Avani Lekhara became the first Indian woman to win two Paralympic gold.
PC: Village square
- Paris also reiterates how quickly a country’s sporting fortunes can change. As recently as London 2012 and Rio 2016, India had bagged just one four medals, respectively. Increased funding and provision of resources by the Centre and corporate bodies have made all the difference. This must be carried further since India participated in just 12 of the 22 sporting categories at Paris. Sadly, India remains a disabled-unfriendly country. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 sought to make all public spaces disabled-friendly in five years, but its implementation has been far from satisfactory. The success of our para-athletes should serve as a reminder that more funds and support would allow persons with disabilities to give their best. The country owes to them.
