<p>2021 was an eventful year for Indian sports. The country recorded its best-ever campaign at the Tokyo Paralympics with several athletes clinching glory at the grandest stage of them all. While Sumit Antil smashed the world record a thrice in men's javelin throw to win the elusive gold medal, Avani Lekhara became the first Indian woman to win a gold medal in shooting at the Paralympic games.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p>Bhavinaben Patel won India's first medal at the Paralympics this year with a silver in women's singles table tennis to send the entire country into a frenzy. Her win kick-started what went on to become a memorable campaign for India at the Paralympics as the country finished 24th in the medal tally with a total of 19 medals.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p>Indian para-athletes took part in nine sporting disciplines at the Paralympics this year and returned with medals in five of those to better their previous best campaign from Rio Paralympics 2016 by a country mile. India's previous best medal tally at the Paralympics was four medals in 2016 which was breached by a huge margin this year. India won a total of five gold medals, eight silver medals and six bronze medals at the Paralympics 2020.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p><strong>Here is a look at India's golden heroes from Tokyo Paralympics this year:</strong><o:p></o:p></p>

<p><strong>Avani Lekhara&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FTT1KL1Fr7E" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Avani Lekhara won India's first gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympics this year when she finished on the top of the podium in the women's R2 10m air rifle SH3 final. The para shooter created history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the Paralympics. At the tender age of just 19, Lekhara scored 249.6 in the final to set a new Paralympic record. She didn't stop there and went on to win another medal a couple of days later. The 19-year-old won a bronze in the R8 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 event to return home with multiple medals.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-paralympic-games-2020-historic-firsts-and-top-10-shining-moments-of-india-411031">Tokyo Paralympic Games 2020: Historic firsts and top 10 shining moments of India</a></strong></p>

<p><o:p></o:p></p>

<p><strong>Sumit Antil</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4nxfF6nva4Q" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Sumit Antil produced one of the most memorable performances by an Indian in the history of the Paralympics as he shattered the world record as many as five times on his way to clinching the elusive gold medal in the men's javelin throw F64 final. It was an extraordinary display from Antil, who went past the world record of 62.88m a stunning three times before his best throw of 68.55m saw him finish on top of the podium in Tokyo.</p>

<p><o:p></o:p></p>

<p><strong>Manish Narwal</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6E4EmlBT0zk" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The Indian para shooter clinched glory in the men's P4 Mixed 50m Pistol SH1 event by shooting a total of 218.2 points in the final. 19-year-old Narwal suffers from congenital impairment to his right hand and couldn't even raise it to accept his medal during the medal ceremony. However, his left hand was enough for him to return home with his first gold medal from his debut Paralympic campaign for India.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-neeraj-chopra-to-krishna-nagar-olympic-and-paralympic-gold-diggers-made-india-happy-410895">From Neeraj Chopra to Krishna Nagar: Olympic and Paralympic 'gold diggers' made India happy</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Pramod Bhagat</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A3s6v3SCBys" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Pramod Bhagat became the first Indian to win a gold medal for India in badminton at the Paralympics. The world no.1 lived up to his favourite tag and defeated Great Britain's Daniel Bethell in straight sets to clinch the elusive gold medal. 2021 was the first time when badminton was included in the Paralympics and Bhagat, a four-time world champion didn't disappoint at all. He etched his name in history books by becoming the first Indian shuttler to win Paralympics gold.</p>

<p><strong>Krishna Nagar</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QGbuGNn9oNQ" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>22-year-old Krishna Nagar won India's fifth and final gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympics on the last day of the Games. He got the better of Hong Kong’s Man Kai Chu in the men's singles SL6 final to become the second Indian shuttler after Bhagat to win a gold medal for India at the Paralympics. Nagar was diagnosed with dwarfism at the age of two but never let his&nbsp;short-stature impairment come between his dreams as he brought laurel for the country at the highest level.</p>

<p><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>


2021 was an eventful year for Indian sports. The country recorded its best-ever campaign at the Tokyo Paralympics with several athletes clinching glory at the grandest stage of them all.

2021 was an eventful year for Indian sports. The country recorded its best-ever campaign at the Tokyo Paralympics with several athletes clinching glory at the grandest stage of them all. While Sumit Antil smashed the world record a thrice in men's javelin throw to win the elusive gold medal, Avani Lekhara became the first Indian woman to win a gold medal in shooting at the Paralympic games. Bhavinaben Patel won India's first medal at the Paralympics this year with a silver in women's singles table tennis to send the entire country into a frenzy. Her win kick-started what went on to become a memorable campaign for India at the Paralympics as the country finished 24th in the medal tally with a total of 19 medals. Indian para-athletes took part in nine sporting disciplines at the Paralympics this year and returned with medals in five of those to better their previous best campaign from Rio Paralympics 2016 by a country mile. India's previous best medal tally at the Paralympics was four medals in 2016 which was breached by a huge margin this year. India won a total of five gold medals, eight silver medals and six bronze medals at the Paralympics 2020. Here is a look at India's golden heroes from Tokyo Paralympics this year: Avani Lekhara × Avani Lekhara won India's first gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympics this year when she finished on the top of the podium in the women's R2 10m air rifle SH3 final. The para shooter created history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the Paralympics. At the tender age of just 19, Lekhara scored 249.6 in the final to set a new Paralympic record. She didn't stop there and went on to win another medal a couple of days later. The 19-year-old won a bronze in the R8 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 event to return home with multiple medals. Also Read: Tokyo Paralympic Games 2020: Historic firsts and top 10 shining moments of India Sumit Antil × Sumit Antil produced one of the most memorable performances by an Indian in the history of the Paralympics as he shattered the world record as many as five times on his way to clinching the elusive gold medal in the men's javelin throw F64 final. It was an extraordinary display from Antil, who went past the world record of 62.88m a stunning three times before his best throw of 68.55m saw him finish on top of the podium in Tokyo. Manish Narwal × The Indian para shooter clinched glory in the men's P4 Mixed 50m Pistol SH1 event by shooting a total of 218.2 points in the final. 19-year-old Narwal suffers from congenital impairment to his right hand and couldn't even raise it to accept his medal during the medal ceremony. However, his left hand was enough for him to return home with his first gold medal from his debut Paralympic campaign for India. Also Read: From Neeraj Chopra to Krishna Nagar: Olympic and Paralympic 'gold diggers' made India happy Pramod Bhagat × Pramod Bhagat became the first Indian to win a gold medal for India in badminton at the Paralympics. The world no.1 lived up to his favourite tag and defeated Great Britain's Daniel Bethell in straight sets to clinch the elusive gold medal. 2021 was the first time when badminton was included in the Paralympics and Bhagat, a four-time world champion didn't disappoint at all. He etched his name in history books by becoming the first Indian shuttler to win Paralympics gold. Krishna Nagar × 22-year-old Krishna Nagar won India's fifth and final gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympics on the last day of the Games. He got the better of Hong Kong’s Man Kai Chu in the men's singles SL6 final to become the second Indian shuttler after Bhagat to win a gold medal for India at the Paralympics. Nagar was diagnosed with dwarfism at the age of two but never let his short-stature impairment come between his dreams as he brought laurel for the country at the highest level.

Meet five golden heroes from India’s historic Paralympics campaign in 2021

Tokyo Paralympics: Dance, music, fireworks set the tone for Games of hope, courage and inspiration

<p>India's powerlifters Jaideep Kumar and Sakina Khatun along with coach JP Singh left for the Tokyo Paralympic Games on Friday.</p>

<p>Jaideep Kumar will take part in the Men's 65 kg category while Sakina Khatun will be competing in the women's 50 kg category. Both the powerlifters shall be competing for medals on August 27 in their respective categories.</p>

<p>Hopeful for a medal, Jaideep in a release said: "We have trained hard for this day. If everything goes well, we can create history and bring a medal home."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paralympic-flame-in-tokyo-as-virus-surges-days-before-opening-407259">Paralympic flame in Tokyo as virus surges days before opening</a></strong></p>

<p>Sakina Khatun was one of the ten athletes who interacted with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 17.</p>

<p>PM Modi had hailed her as a winner as she not only fought her disability but also extreme poverty.</p>

<p>JP Singh, who has been keeping a close eye on their performances, is more realistic about the chances. He said: "We are not going there with any pressure. If we do our best and if we have little bit luck on that day, our powerlifters shall be able to create history."</p>

<p>Chef de Mission Gursharan Singh pointed: "Our powerlifters have practiced hard even during the pandemic and their moral is high. Their training has made us believe that they are second to none."</p>

<p>The contingent was given a warm send-off by officials of the Sports Ministry and the Sports Authority of India.</p>

<p>Powerlifting and badminton are the two sports that are making their debut at these Paralympic Games.&nbsp;</p>


India's powerlifters Jaideep Kumar and Sakina Khatun along with coach JP Singh left for the Tokyo Paralympic Games on Friday. Jaideep Kumar will take part in the Men's 65 kg category while Sakina Khatun will be competing in the women's 50 kg category.

India's powerlifters Jaideep Kumar and Sakina Khatun along with coach JP Singh left for the Tokyo Paralympic Games on Friday. Jaideep Kumar will take part in the Men's 65 kg category while Sakina Khatun will be competing in the women's 50 kg category. Both the powerlifters shall be competing for medals on August 27 in their respective categories. Hopeful for a medal, Jaideep in a release said: "We have trained hard for this day. If everything goes well, we can create history and bring a medal home." ALSO READ | Paralympic flame in Tokyo as virus surges days before opening Sakina Khatun was one of the ten athletes who interacted with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 17. PM Modi had hailed her as a winner as she not only fought her disability but also extreme poverty. JP Singh, who has been keeping a close eye on their performances, is more realistic about the chances. He said: "We are not going there with any pressure. If we do our best and if we have little bit luck on that day, our powerlifters shall be able to create history." Chef de Mission Gursharan Singh pointed: "Our powerlifters have practiced hard even during the pandemic and their moral is high. Their training has made us believe that they are second to none." The contingent was given a warm send-off by officials of the Sports Ministry and the Sports Authority of India. Powerlifting and badminton are the two sports that are making their debut at these Paralympic Games.

Paralympics: Indian powerlifters depart for Tokyo with eye on medal

<p>Tokyo 2020 Paralympic organisers on Saturday (August 21) announced several national Paralympic Committees had withdrawn from the Games, while one more positive COVID-19 case was detected amongst Paralympic athletes already residing in Japan.</p>

<p>According to International Paralympics Committee (IPC) spokesman Craig Spence, the four national Paralympic Committees that withdrew include those of Samoa, Kiribati, Vanuatu, and Tonga, all citing difficulties and financial burdens caused by pandemic travel and quarantine measures.</p>

<p>Afghanistan's Paralympic team has also been forced to withdraw due to the current unstable situation in Kabul, as organisers said there would be "no safe way" to bring the athletes to Tokyo.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paralympic-flame-in-tokyo-as-virus-surges-days-before-opening-407259">Paralympic flame in Tokyo as virus surges days before opening</a></strong></p>

<p>Tokyo 2020 authorities said on Saturday that a total of 15 new Paralympic Games-related COVID-19 cases had been detected, one of them being an athlete. It comes a day after the first positive case among Paralympic athletes was reported.</p>

<p>With less than a week to go until the Paralympics, organisers are warning that the event will be held in challenging circumstances. Japan has extended COVID-19 emergency measures in the capital and other regions that will run through the Games and, like the Olympics, it will take place from August 24 to September 5 without spectators generally.</p>


Tokyo 2020 Paralympic organisers on Saturday (August 21) announced several national Paralympic Committees had withdrawn from the Games, while one more positive COVID-19 case was detected amongst Paralympic athletes already residing in Japan.

Tokyo 2020 Paralympic organisers on Saturday (August 21) announced several national Paralympic Committees had withdrawn from the Games, while one more positive COVID-19 case was detected amongst Paralympic athletes already residing in Japan. According to International Paralympics Committee (IPC) spokesman Craig Spence, the four national Paralympic Committees that withdrew include those of Samoa, Kiribati, Vanuatu, and Tonga, all citing difficulties and financial burdens caused by pandemic travel and quarantine measures. Afghanistan's Paralympic team has also been forced to withdraw due to the current unstable situation in Kabul, as organisers said there would be "no safe way" to bring the athletes to Tokyo. ALSO READ | Paralympic flame in Tokyo as virus surges days before opening Tokyo 2020 authorities said on Saturday that a total of 15 new Paralympic Games-related COVID-19 cases had been detected, one of them being an athlete. It comes a day after the first positive case among Paralympic athletes was reported. With less than a week to go until the Paralympics, organisers are warning that the event will be held in challenging circumstances. Japan has extended COVID-19 emergency measures in the capital and other regions that will run through the Games and, like the Olympics, it will take place from August 24 to September 5 without spectators generally.

Several more countries withdraw from Paralympics, new COVID-19 case among athletes

<p>The first batch of Indian para-athletes arrived in Tokyo on Wednesday for the Tokyo Paralympics which gets underway from August 24.</p>

<p>54 para-athletes from across 9 sports disciplines will be featuring in the showpiece event. This is India's biggest ever contingent to the Paralympic Games.</p>

<p>The first batch of the Indian contingent for the 2020 Paralympics had departed for Tokyo from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International airport in the wee hours of Wednesday.</p>

<p>Ahead of departure, Tek Chand, a javelin thrower, said, "I will try my best to win a medal. There were few hurdles but it is part of life. I overcame them. Today, I am going to play for the country."</p>

<p>Speaking to ANI, Deepa Malik, the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) President, said the Indian team looks in great shape.</p>

<p>"Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent his wishes along with the Sports Minister, Anurag Thakur. I'm delighted. I'm in a different role as I'm not playing this year but it is a different feeling to work alongside para-athletes. The team looks in great shape. I wish them all the best for the Games," she said.</p>

<p>The Tokyo Paralympic Games is scheduled to be held between August 24 and September 5. India will start its campaign on August 27 with men's and women's archery events.</p>

<p>Thangavelu Mariyappan, Rio 2016 Gold Medal winner, will be the flag bearer of India while Gursharan Singh will be the Chef de Mission of the team.&nbsp;</p>


The first batch of Indian para-athletes arrived in Tokyo on Wednesday for the Tokyo Paralympics which gets underway from August 24. 54 para-athletes from across 9 sports disciplines will be featuring in the showpiece event.

The first batch of Indian para-athletes arrived in Tokyo on Wednesday for the Tokyo Paralympics which gets underway from August 24. 54 para-athletes from across 9 sports disciplines will be featuring in the showpiece event. This is India's biggest ever contingent to the Paralympic Games. The first batch of the Indian contingent for the 2020 Paralympics had departed for Tokyo from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International airport in the wee hours of Wednesday. Ahead of departure, Tek Chand, a javelin thrower, said, "I will try my best to win a medal. There were few hurdles but it is part of life. I overcame them. Today, I am going to play for the country." Speaking to ANI, Deepa Malik, the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) President, said the Indian team looks in great shape. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent his wishes along with the Sports Minister, Anurag Thakur. I'm delighted. I'm in a different role as I'm not playing this year but it is a different feeling to work alongside para-athletes. The team looks in great shape. I wish them all the best for the Games," she said. The Tokyo Paralympic Games is scheduled to be held between August 24 and September 5. India will start its campaign on August 27 with men's and women's archery events. Thangavelu Mariyappan, Rio 2016 Gold Medal winner, will be the flag bearer of India while Gursharan Singh will be the Chef de Mission of the team.

First batch of Indian athletes arrive in Tokyo for Paralympics