India achieved an unprecedented success on Day 5 of the 2024 Paris Paralympics, securing eight medals, including two golds. This stellar performance, featuring wins by shuttler Kumar Nitesh and javelin thrower Sumit Antil, keeps India on track to surpass the 19 medals won at the Tokyo Paralympics.
Kumar Nitesh, a 29-year-old engineering graduate from IIT-Mandi who lost his left leg in a train accident in 2009, triumphed in the men’s singles SL3 category. He defeated Britain’s Daniel Bethell, the Tokyo silver medallist, in a tough final that lasted over an hour, winning 21-14, 18-21, 23-21.
Later, Sumit Antil made history by becoming the first Indian man to defend his Paralympic title in javelin throw F64. He set a new Games record with a throw of 70.59m, surpassing his previous best of 68.55m from Tokyo. Antil’s world record stands at 73.29m.
Antil follows shooter Avani Lekhara as the second Indian to defend a Paralympic title. Meanwhile, Yogesh Kathuniya, Thulasimathi Murugesan, and Suhas Yathiraj secured silver medals in their respective events. Murugesan, competing in her first Paralympics, earned silver in women’s singles SU5, while Manisha Ramadass won bronze in the same category.
India’s success extended to archery, where the duo of Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar won bronze in the mixed team compound open competition. This marks only the second time India has medaled in Paralympic archery.
Nithya Sre Sivan also contributed to the historic day by winning bronze in women’s singles SH6, marking her first Paralympic appearance.
