Five takeaways from the Paris Paralympics
Paris Paralympic Games. As the campaign comes close to an end, here are five takeaways from Paris:
ADOPT MORE SPORTS: There were 23 sports disciplines at the Paris Paralympics but the majority of India’s success came in just four — athletics, archery, shooting and badminton. In swimming, for example, there were 140 medals on offer, but India had just one participant. Clearly, there is immense room for improvement. India need to adopt other sports to win many more medals in Los Angeles in 2028.
THERE IS A STORY: Paralympics are less about the medals and more about participants. Behind every medal or every athlete is a story. Dharambir Nain and Pranay Soorma won gold and silver respectively in the men’s club throw event. However, the disability quotient with them is so high that it is impossible to predict their performance. “They have no control over their bowel movements. They often pass urine while competing,” said Satyanarayana Shimoga, coach of the track and field contingent. “If they aren’t sitting in the perfect position, they can’t perform.” Unless you know their story, it is impossible to appreciate their success. “Prachi (Yadav) made the finals of her event despite a serious eye infection. We had to dress her eye every six hours. For her to play with the infection shows how resilient she is”, said Dr Ameya Kagali, medical head of the contingent.
CONTINUED SUPPORT: The media has reported on the Paralympics fairly extensively. Social media is abuzz with millions celebrating these athletes. But then that’s
