Before the Tokyo Paralympics , India 's best performance at a single Games was four medals , achieved twice—first in 1984 and then again in 2016 at Rio de Janeiro. However, the Tokyo Games in 2021 marked a turning point. On August 30, 2021, India set a new record by winning five medals in a single day, including a gold by Sumit Antil in men's javelin. Fast forward three years, and history was rewritten.
On September 2, 2024, India celebrated its most successful day in Paralympic history, securing a total of eight medals, highlighted by Sumit Antil defending his javelin gold in Paris.
Here's a breakdown of how this historic day unfolded:
Silver – Yogesh Kathuniya (Athletics)
Yogesh Kathuniya kicked off the medal haul in men's discus throw F56, earning a silver medal. This marked his second consecutive Paralympic medal, solidifying his place among India's elite Paralympians. Despite achieving a season-best throw, Yogesh felt there was more he could have given and aimed to challenge Brazil's Claudiney Batista for gold.
Gold – Nitesh Kumar (Badminton)
Nitesh Kumar, the top seed, faced a daunting challenge in the men's singles SL3 final against Daniel Bethell, a player he had never defeated in nine previous encounters. However, in an intense 80-minute match, Nitesh triumphed 21-14, 18-21, 23-21, claiming India's second gold in Paris and ensuring the SL3 title stayed with India despite Pramod Bhagat's suspension.
Silver – Thulasimathi Murugesan (Badminton)
In a historic achievement for Indian para badminton, 22-year-old Thulasimathi Murugesan secured a silver in women's singles SU5, marking the first time an Indian female shuttler reached the podium at the Paralympics. Despite a strong effort, she was outplayed by reigning champion Yang Qiu Xia in the final.
Bronze – Manisha Ramadass (Badminton)
Manisha Ramadass, just 19 years old, added to India's success by clinching a bronze medal in women's singles SU5. She defeated her Danish opponent in straight games, making it two Indian shuttlers on the podium in this category.
Silver – Suhas Yathiraj (Badminton)
Suhas Yathiraj, the world number one in men's singles SL4, faced a tough battle against France's Lucas Mazur in the final. Despite the home crowd's support for Mazur, Suhas put up a valiant fight but had to settle for silver, adding another Paralympic medal to his impressive resume.
Bronze – Rakesh Kumar & Sheetal Devi (Archery)
Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi, aged 22 years apart, teamed up in the mixed team compound open archery event. After a narrow semifinal loss to Iran, they bounced back to defeat Italy and secure a bronze, giving India its first archery medal in Paris.
Gold – Sumit Antil (Athletics)
Sumit Antil once again proved his dominance in men's javelin throw F64. Breaking his own Paralympic record with a throw of 70.59 meters, Sumit secured his second consecutive gold medal. His performance left no doubt as he outpaced his competitors by a significant margin.
Bronze – Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan (Badminton)
Capping off the day, Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan won a bronze in women's singles SH6, defeating Indonesia's Rina Marlina in straight games. Her victory marked India's fifth para badminton medal in Paris, surpassing the tally from Tokyo.
On September 2, 2024, India celebrated its most successful day in Paralympic history, securing a total of eight medals, highlighted by Sumit Antil defending his javelin gold in Paris.
Here's a breakdown of how this historic day unfolded:
Silver – Yogesh Kathuniya (Athletics)
Yogesh Kathuniya kicked off the medal haul in men's discus throw F56, earning a silver medal. This marked his second consecutive Paralympic medal, solidifying his place among India's elite Paralympians. Despite achieving a season-best throw, Yogesh felt there was more he could have given and aimed to challenge Brazil's Claudiney Batista for gold.
Gold – Nitesh Kumar (Badminton)
Nitesh Kumar, the top seed, faced a daunting challenge in the men's singles SL3 final against Daniel Bethell, a player he had never defeated in nine previous encounters. However, in an intense 80-minute match, Nitesh triumphed 21-14, 18-21, 23-21, claiming India's second gold in Paris and ensuring the SL3 title stayed with India despite Pramod Bhagat's suspension.
Silver – Thulasimathi Murugesan (Badminton)
In a historic achievement for Indian para badminton, 22-year-old Thulasimathi Murugesan secured a silver in women's singles SU5, marking the first time an Indian female shuttler reached the podium at the Paralympics. Despite a strong effort, she was outplayed by reigning champion Yang Qiu Xia in the final.
Bronze – Manisha Ramadass (Badminton)
Manisha Ramadass, just 19 years old, added to India's success by clinching a bronze medal in women's singles SU5. She defeated her Danish opponent in straight games, making it two Indian shuttlers on the podium in this category.
Silver – Suhas Yathiraj (Badminton)
Suhas Yathiraj, the world number one in men's singles SL4, faced a tough battle against France's Lucas Mazur in the final. Despite the home crowd's support for Mazur, Suhas put up a valiant fight but had to settle for silver, adding another Paralympic medal to his impressive resume.
Bronze – Rakesh Kumar & Sheetal Devi (Archery)
Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi, aged 22 years apart, teamed up in the mixed team compound open archery event. After a narrow semifinal loss to Iran, they bounced back to defeat Italy and secure a bronze, giving India its first archery medal in Paris.
Gold – Sumit Antil (Athletics)
Sumit Antil once again proved his dominance in men's javelin throw F64. Breaking his own Paralympic record with a throw of 70.59 meters, Sumit secured his second consecutive gold medal. His performance left no doubt as he outpaced his competitors by a significant margin.
Bronze – Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan (Badminton)
Capping off the day, Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan won a bronze in women's singles SH6, defeating Indonesia's Rina Marlina in straight games. Her victory marked India's fifth para badminton medal in Paris, surpassing the tally from Tokyo.
