India’s Paralympics medalists receive heroic welcome on returning home

PTC News Desk: Indian Paralympic athletes received a hero’s welcome upon their return to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, following a record-breaking performance at the Paris Paralympics. On Saturday morning, half of the Indian contingent, including renowned athletes like Avani Lekhara, Mona Agarwal, Pranav Soorma, Rakesh Kumar, and Manish Narwal, touched down in Delhi. Crowds of ecstatic fans gathered outside the airport, showering the para-athletes with flower petals in celebration of their remarkable achievements.

The returning contingent, which included several medalists, was greeted with a jubilant atmosphere. Gold medalist Avani Lekhara, silver medalist Manish Narwal, and bronze medalists Pranav Soorma and Rubina Francis were among the stars of the Paralympics. In a tweet shared by SAI Media, the pride of India’s Para Shooting, Para Archery, and Para Athletics teams was evident.

India’s ???????? #ParisParalympics2024 ???????? Para Shooting ✨Para Archery ????????and Para – Athletics ????stars Return Home! ????????

The returning contingent included many medalists including Gold medalist Avani Lekhara, Silver medalist Manish Narwal, Pranav Soorma and Bronze medalists Rubina… pic.twitter.com/IkJeAle4Kh

— SAI Media (@Media_SAI) September 7, 2024

Avani Lekhara, who has become a household name, spoke about her journey at the Paris Paralympics, saying, “It has been a good journey, and we have won many good medals this time.” Lekhara, who made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win two gold medals in Paralympic Games, secured gold in the women’s 10m air rifle final, continuing her reign as Paralympic champion.

Mona Agarwal, another Indian para shooter, shared her excitement upon returning home. “I am feeling very good as I am receiving so much love… My Paralympic journey was very good, as it was my first Paralympic,” she said. Agarwal earned a bronze medal in the same event, marking a successful debut.

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Para-archer Rakesh Kumar, who clinched the bronze medal in the Mixed Team Compound event alongside Sheetal Devi, credited his coaches for his success. “I am feeling very good… The credit for my victory goes to my coaches… We will work hard and perform better at the next Paralympics,” Kumar said. The duo defeated Italy’s Eleonora Sarti and Matteo Bonnacina with a close scoreline of 156-155, securing a well-deserved bronze.

India’s medal tally at the ongoing Paralympics, which began on August 28 and will conclude on September 8, has reached an impressive 27. This includes six gold, nine silver, and 12 bronze medals, making it India’s best-ever performance at the Paralympic Games, surpassing the five gold medals won at Tokyo 2020.

Indian para-athletes, in particular, have made significant contributions with three gold, six silver, and six bronze medals, bringing home a total of 15 medals. Their performances have not only made the nation proud but have also set new benchmarks for the future of Indian para-sports.

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