The Paris Paralympic Games 2024, set to take place from August 28 to September 8, marks a historic moment for the French capital as it hosts this prestigious event for the first time. Over 4,400 athletes worldwide will compete across 22 sports, vying for 549 gold medals.
The Paralympic Games, a parallel event to the Olympics, highlight the extraordinary achievements of athletes with disabilities. The term “paralympic” derives from the Greek word “para,” meaning “alongside,” emphasizing its coexistence with the Olympics and equal importance in celebrating human athleticism.
The Paris Paralympics will feature a diverse range of sports, including para-athletics, para-swimming, para-cycling, and para-equestrian. For the first time, India will compete in para-cycling, para-rowing, and blind judo. The games will be held at iconic venues across Paris and its suburbs, including the Eiffel Tower and the Grand Palais.
The Paralympic Games symbol, consisting of three waves called “Agitos,” represents the idea of “I move” in Latin. It embodies the spirit of overcoming challenges and striving for personal and athletic excellence.
India will be sending its largest-ever Paralympic team to Paris, with 84 athletes representing the country. Sumit Antil and Bhagyashri Jadhav have been named the Indian flag-bearers for the Opening Ceremony.
The Paralympic movement continues to gain momentum, and the Paris 2024 Games are expected to be a global showcase of athletic achievement and inclusivity. As the world eagerly awaits the start of the competition, the excitement and anticipation surrounding this historic event are palpable.