Wide open: On India’s Paralympians

Preethi Pal bagged India’s first-ever track medal as she picked up a bronze in women’s 100m T35 event followed by another in 200m and Kapil Parmar captured India’s first para-judo medal. Nagaland’s 40-year-old Army man Hokato Sema, who shone as a shot putter despite losing a leg in the line of duty in the prime of his youth, cornered glory to underscore the indomitable human spirit. Overall, the spectators’ response to the Paralympics 2024 was heart-warming — organisers sold over two million tickets for the Games. The Stade de France witnessed a near-capacity crowd thronging the iconic venue daily to watch and support the heroic efforts. It was a huge encouragement for the 4,400-plus para-athletes competing in 549 medal events in 22 sports and might contribute to the growth and acceptability of para-sports. It complemented the French authorities’ attempt to make the Paralympics more inclusive, which is apparent from the emblem, mascot, and motto — Games Wide Open — used for the Olympics. The successful conduct of the Paris Paralympics and the Indians’ praiseworthy performance should draw more government and corporate support for these athletes in India to ensure improved shows on the field and a better life as part of the mainstream.