India has a rich history in sports, with athletes from across the country consistently making their mark on the global stage. However, there is one group of athletes who remain largely unsung despite their extraordinary achievements — the para athletes. These athletes, who compete in a range of sports despite physical or intellectual disabilities, have been breaking barriers and showcasing unparalleled resilience, yet they often don’t receive the same recognition or support as their able-bodied counterparts. In this article, we celebrate the journey of India’s para-athletes, highlighting their achievements, the challenges they face, and the need for greater recognition and support.
The Rise of Para Sports in India
Para sports in India have come a long way since their inception. Historically, sports for individuals with disabilities were almost non-existent, with people with disabilities often marginalized and excluded from mainstream society, let alone sports. However, in recent decades, a revolution of sorts has taken place in the world of para sports in India, thanks to the growing support from government programs, NGOs, and advocacy from the media.
The beginning of the 21st century witnessed a surge in the recognition of para sports in India. This was largely due to increased awareness, the success of Indian athletes on international platforms, and changing attitudes toward disability and inclusion. Para-athletes began to participate in prestigious events such as the Paralympic Games, World Championships, and various other international competitions.
While India’s para-athletes may not yet have the same level of popularity as their mainstream counterparts, their consistent performances in international tournaments speak volumes about their grit and determination. The country has witnessed an increasing number of para-athletes achieving success across disciplines such as athletics, badminton, swimming, powerlifting, archery, and shooting.
Paralympic Success Stories
The turning point for India’s para-athletes came at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. It was at these games that India achieved its best-ever performance, winning 4 golds, 1 silver, and 1 bronze, making it one of the top-performing countries at the Games. The success of para-athletes like Mariyappan Thangavelu (high jump), Devender Singh Kadian (javelin), Deepa Malik (shot put), and the shooting duo of Javelin thrower, Devender Kadian, and shooters such as Manish Narwal, opened the eyes of the nation to the immense talent among Indian para-athletes.
Mariyappan Thangavelu’s gold in high jump, where he broke the Paralympic record, and Deepa Malik’s historic silver in shot put, made a significant mark on the sporting landscape of India. These athletes not only put India on the world map for para-sports but also became symbols of hope and inspiration for millions of disabled people across the country.
The 2020 Tokyo Paralympics: A New Era
India’s success at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics further solidified the prowess of the nation’s para-athletes. The Indian contingent returned with a historic 19 medals, including 5 golds, 8 silvers, and 6 bronze. This was India’s best-ever performance at the Paralympic Games and reflected the growing talent, hard work, and determination of India’s para-athletes.
Key highlights included Bhavina Patel’s remarkable silver in table tennis, the incredible performances of shooters like Avani Lekhara, who became the first Indian woman to win a gold at the Paralympic Games, and Pramod Bhagat’s triumph in badminton. These performances were a testament to the skill, discipline, and perseverance of para-athletes who, despite facing significant challenges, went on to achieve global success.
Challenges Faced by Para-Athletes in India
The journey of India’s para-athletes has never been smooth. These athletes face numerous challenges, many of which extend beyond the sports arena. One of the primary challenges faced by para-athletes in India is the lack of infrastructure and facilities. Training facilities that cater specifically to para-athletes are scarce, and athletes often have to train in conventional sports setups that are not designed for people with disabilities. This lack of appropriate facilities makes it much harder for these athletes to compete at the highest levels.
Financial constraints also play a significant role in limiting the growth of para sports. While the government has made strides in providing financial support through schemes such as the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, there is still a long way to go in ensuring adequate funding for all para-athletes. Many athletes rely on sponsorships, and there is often a dearth of corporate sponsorships in para-sports compared to mainstream sports.
Another major challenge is the lack of awareness and recognition of para sports. Despite the incredible achievements of India’s para-athletes, they often go unnoticed in the mainstream media. There is a significant difference in the coverage of para sports and traditional sports, with the media often giving little attention to their achievements. This lack of visibility has a cascading effect on sponsorship, public interest, and the overall development of the sport in the country.
Additionally, societal attitudes towards people with disabilities also hinder the progress of para-athletes. In many parts of India, people with disabilities are still treated as inferior or are seen as incapable. This negative perception can lead to a lack of support, both in terms of encouragement and accessibility, which ultimately impacts the performance and well-being of these athletes.
The Need for Greater Recognition and Support
While the performances of India’s para-athletes have been outstanding, it is crucial for the country to provide them with the recognition, support, and resources they deserve. Greater awareness of para sports is needed in order to challenge the societal stigma that surrounds disability. Media coverage is essential to promote these athletes and their achievements, inspiring the next generation of disabled athletes to pursue sports with the same passion and determination.
The government must continue to enhance its support for para sports by improving infrastructure, providing better training facilities, and increasing funding for athletes. The Indian government has made some progress with initiatives such as the Disability Rights Act and the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights, and Full Participation) Act, but more needs to be done to ensure para-athletes have the tools they need to succeed.
Corporate sponsors also have a vital role to play in the development of para sports. By investing in the talent of para-athletes, companies can contribute to changing societal attitudes, creating a more inclusive environment, and promoting the message that disability is not a limitation but an opportunity to shine. There is also a need for more NGOs and charitable organizations to step up and offer both financial and moral support to para-athletes, enabling them to achieve their dreams.
The Power of Resilience and Inspiration
What sets India’s para-athletes apart from many others is their remarkable resilience. Despite the odds, they rise above adversity and continue to strive for excellence. These athletes inspire millions with their stories of perseverance, hard work, and determination. They show that the pursuit of greatness is not confined to those with perfect bodies, but to those with an unwavering spirit and a relentless desire to succeed.
The stories of para-athletes like Murlikant Petkar, who won India’s first gold medal in the Paralympics, and of shooter Avani Lekhara, who not only overcame a traumatic accident but also made history at the Tokyo Paralympics, are proof that physical limitations are no match for the power of human will.
Conclusion
India’s para-athletes may be unsung heroes in the eyes of many, but their contributions to the world of sports are undeniable. They exemplify the spirit of sportsmanship and resilience, and their achievements should be celebrated with the same fervor as those of mainstream athletes. The Indian government, media, and the general public must work together to ensure that these athletes are given the recognition, resources, and support they deserve. Only then can we unlock the full potential of para sports in India, inspiring future generations of athletes to dream big and chase their goals, no matter the challenges they may face.
Stay tuned on ChakDeBharat for more sports updates.