New Delhi, Mar 21 (Sports News) The legendary Devendra Jhajharia on Monday became the first para athlete to receive the Padma Bhushan, the country's third highest civilian award.

The 40-year-old Jhajharia received the prestigious award from President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Jhajharia is a multiple-time Paralympics medal winner, having won his maiden gold during the 2004 Paralympics in Athens, his second gold medal during the Rio Games in 2016, and a silver medal during the 2020 Tokyo edition last year.

The javelin thrower competes in the F46 events in the Paralympics and was among the four Paralympic medallists to be conferred with the Padma awards this year.

Tokyo Paralympics double medallist shooter Avani Lekhara received the Padma Shri for her excellent showing last year.

Lekhara won a gold medal in the 10m air rifle standing event and a bronze in the 50m rifle 3 positions event.

Alongside Jhajharia and Lekhara, gold medal-winning javelin thrower Sumit Anil, gold medallist in badminton Pramod Bhagat were the other Paralympic stars to be conferred with the honour.

That he has achieved a first was not lost on Jhajharia.

"This is the first time a para athlete has got the Padma Bhushan, and I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this. Now I will have more responsibility towards the country, to win more medals for India," Jhajharia said.

"To the youth, I will say work hard. One minute of work will not get you anything. I have worked hard for the past 20 years, 2002 was the first time I won a gold medal," he added.

Lekhara tweeted, "Honoured and grateful to be awarded the Padma Shri. This award is a testament to not only my efforts, but the sacrifices of my family and the support of everyone involved in my career helping me achieve all I have.

"I look forward to representing the country with the same passion!" 

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New Delhi, Feb 8 (Sports News) Two-time Olympic medallist badminton star P V Sindhu and Tokyo silver winner weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu were among the five nominees for the BBC Indian Sportswoman (ISWOTY) of the Year award announced here on Tuesday.

Besides Sindhu and Mirabai, star golfer Aditi Ashok, multiple medal winner at Tokyo Paralympics in shooting Avani Lekhara, Tokyo bronze winner boxer Lovlina Borgohain were the other three nominees, shortlisted by an distinguished jury of sports journalists, experts and sports writers.

"Success doesn’t come easy, it's not just few months of hard work, but years of hard work. Every day is a process, that’s how you come up to a certain level," Sindhu, who won a bronze at Tokyo Olympics to go with her silver five years back at Rio de Janeiro, said in a release.

Online voting for the award will remain open until February 28 and the winner will be revealed on March 28 at a ceremony here.

Aditi Ashok, who finished fourth place at the Tokyo Olympics said: "I am grateful and thankful because this was a good year for me, and I had some great performances. I am happy that golf is becoming more popular in India." The awards ceremony will also honour a legendary sportswoman with the BBC Lifetime Achievement award, and a young female player will be named as the BBC Emerging Player of the Year. 

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At just 20 years old, Priya Keer has already participated in various national and state level para judo competitions, winning 2 gold, 2 silver and a bronze medal in the sport. Despite her visual impairment, her influence is not just limited to sport as she has also been trained on women’s rights and gender issues, currently serving as a member of the executive body of the women's committee.

In this exclusive interview with SPOGO, Priya Keer speaks about the impact of judo in her life, memorable achievements, influence of Sightsavers India, Viklang Ekta Seva Samiti, being a role model for others and her future goals.

Q 1) How much of an impact has judo had in your life? When did you realize it’s a sport you can excel in?

Initially when I started, my interest wasn’t there in Judo but when I went for my first training then I figured that I can do this. After that in January 2017 when I went to play in nationals and I came third in that tournament, it actually made me realize that I can pursue this as a career. Judo has given me a new life and whatever little fame and recognition that I have got is thanks to Judo.

Q 2) You have won 2 gold, 2 silver and a bronze medal in para judo tournaments. What has been the experience like of competing professionally and which is your most memorable achievement so far?

Ever since I won 2 gold, 2 Silver I have experienced that the 2nd time in Lucknow when I again played in the nationals, I saw that there were almost 800 participants as I was keenly observing the fights. So when I had to fight I had to face three boys on my way to the gold medal. My experience of not only winning a medal but also seeing other people fight made it even memorable.

Q 3) How much has Sightsavers India helped you in both your personal and professional life so far? 

Sightsavers India has helped me in my education, they have provided us with mobile phones and they gave us lessons on how to use the phones as well. Sightsavers has not only helped me in my personal life but also helped me get better in my professional life . So I’m currently learning a lot from them which is helping me grow as a person

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Q 4) Tell us about the Viklang Ekta Seva Samiti? What is it about and what sort of training did you receive?

Viklang Ekta Seva Samiti is an organization which aims to help disabled people on all fronts. The organization keeps us aware about our rights and tries to make sure the government policies reach every one of us. SDG and RPWD give us constant training on various activities.
The organization has an equal proportion of male and female representatives who try to help disabled people and want them to be on the same level as others in all areas.

Q 5) What would be your message to others who are visually impaired? Do you aim to become a role model for others who are in a similar situation?

Being a visually imparied athlete myself, if I can reach these heights in Judo then everyone can also do it no matter what type of difficulties they have. Just like Neeraj Chopra, Mirabai Chanu, Avani Lekhara and many others; I too want to bring laurels for my country in Judo.

Q 6) What are your goals for the future? How do you aim to accomplish them?

I want to achieve more in Judo at the National, International level and want to represent the country at the Paralympics. With constant training and help from SDH we will be able to achieve our goals.

New Delhi, Dec 24 (Shooting News) The Indian shooters failed miserably when it mattered the most and on a stage where they were primed for success, making 2021 one of their worst years in recent memory.

The outstanding results everywhere else, at other times of the last 11 months, were applauded but they were never supposed to mitigate the extreme pain caused by the debacle at the Tokyo Olympics.

They entered Japanese shores with hopes of winning a handful of medals, but returned empty-handed instead, as the horrors of Rio 2016 revisited, even after a raft of changes had been implemented by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI).

As the fancied 15-strong squad crumbled under the mighty Olympic pressure, it belied a billion hopes after promising to deliver like never before.

Excellent performances at the rechristened President's Cup (which used to be the season-ending ISSF World Cup Finals) and the Junior World Championships in Lima did bring some smiles back, but the Indian team's horror run at Tokyo remains fresh in the memory.

So bad was the outing in the Japanese capital, that it forced NRAI chief Raninder Singh to express his disappointment even before the campaign was completed.

Singh had talked about a major revamp on the sidelines of the Olympics but who will fall under its purview is something that's still not clear, although he did say that even the administrators' performance would be reviewed by an independent body.

So far, in a drastic move, the NRAI has decided to end the contracts of all the national coaches that were involved with the Indian shooting team. This is being done with an aim to revamp the structure before the start of the 2022 season.

The federation has not revealed the names of those who will be appointed in place of the outgoing coaches, which includes some well-established names who have contributed immensely to the growth of the shooters and the sport in general in the country.

Needless to say, the trigger for this move was the Olympic debacle and the intra-squad factionalism, which also involved coaches. The drama marred the build-up to the Games and came out in the open as the team's disastrous campaign unfolded in Tokyo.

The NRAI got former India shooter and coach Ronak Pandit to train medal hope Manu Bhaker after she fell out with junior national coach Jaspal Rana. It did try to sort things out but some of them, perhaps, remained unaddressed.

The top brass in the NRAI had no qualms admitting that the team was below-par in the biggest multi-sporting event.

They also don't shy away from talking about implementing wholesale changes but, going by the experience in the last two Olympics, there is no doubt that more is required than what is being done currently.

If they stop after only changing the coaching and support staff, the story is not likely to be any different at the Paris Olympics, which is scheduled to be held in less than three years' time.

"Definitely the performances have not been on expected lines and I have spoken of an overhaul of coaching and support staff," Raninder told PTI.

He is well aware that problem is concerning the game's mental aspects.

"I feel something is lacking in getting our shooters prepared for these big occasions, because clearly the talent is there and we have seen it," the NRAI boss said.

Questions were raised about why the shooters were not able to replicate their excellent showing at the ISSF World Cups at the Olympics.

While they faltered at the biggest stage, fortunes swung dramatically in the Junior World Championships in Peru in October, when Indian shooters won medals by the bagful and topped the standings for the first time.

The tournament saw the emergence of new talents such as Delhi's Namya Kapoor, who fired her way to the gold medal ahead of her celebrated compatriot Bhaker in the women's 25m pistol event.

At 14 years, she created an Indian record of winning the gold medal at an international shooting tournament, raising fresh hopes for the future.

India also did exceedingly well at the President's Cup with the likes of young Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary once again reminding the world of their abilities with their fine showing in Wroclaw, Poland months after they failed to live up to the expectations at the Olympics.

In Lima, Bhaker became the first Indian shooter to win the highest number of medals (5) in a single edition of the ISSF Junior World Championships. These included four gold medals and a bronze.

The Indian shooters' results, before and after the Olympics, makes it clear that the problem is mental fortitude or the lack of it, at the quadrennial extravaganza.

And the sooner it is addressed, the better it is for Indian shooting.

Moving away from the ranges, there was no change of guard at the top of the hierarchy as Raninder became the apex body's president for an unprecedented fourth time with a landslide victory over BSP MP Shyam Singh Yadav.

The NRAI went ahead with the polls despite the impediments it faced after the petition filed by Yadav in the Delhi High Court, followed by the sports ministry's directive to initiate elections afresh.

There was no stay order from the high court and it was found that the incumbent had a legitimate claim at re-election. 

Also Read : Avani Lekhara bags 'Best Female Debut' honour at Paralympic Awards

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Dec 16 (Shooting News) Indian shooter Avani Lekhara Thursday won the "Best Female Debut" honour at the 2021 Paralympic Awards for her record-breaking gold medal at the Tokyo Games.

The 20-year-old from Jaipur, who sustained spinal cord injury in a car accident in 2012, won the gold in the women's 10m Air Rife Standing SH1 event earlier this year.

With that special feat, she had broken the Paralympic Games record besides equalling the world record.

She also won a bronze in the 50m Rifle Three Positions Standing SH 1 event, becoming the first Indian female to win two medals in Games' history.

She was also awarded Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, India's highest sporting honour, for the achievement.

"It is an hour for me to win this award. The focus was always on giving my best shot and bringing back medals for my country and showing that anything is possible with hard work, dedication and passion," said Avani in a video posted by the twitter handle of Paralympic Games.

Recalling her experience of her maiden Paralympic Games, Avani said she approach the competition, one shot at a time.

"It was a dream come true for me at that time. When I came back to India, I met a lot of people. I went back to my school and kids there came to me and said they are inspired by me and also want to take up sport.

"It is amazing but with success comes a lot of responsibility," she added.

India won an unprecedented 19 medals at the Paralympic Games including five gold, eight silver and six bronze. 

Also Read : Divyansh Panwar wins both senior and junior air rifle National titles

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Nov 13 (Sports news) Olympic champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, veteran woman cricketer Mithali Raj and history-making Paralympic stars shared the spotlight as an unprecedented 12 sportspersons were presented with India's highest sporting honour -- the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna -- by President Ram Nath Kovind here on Saturday.

In a glittering function organised at the Durbar Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhawan here, the President recognised the country's unparalleled Olympic and Paralympic performances.

The event became an in-person affair this time after going online the previous year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The star attraction of the evening was Chopra, who received his Khel Ratna award amid thunderous applause from the select dignitaries present on the specially organised function.

Chopra was the first among the Khel Ratna awardees to receive the honour.

Besides the 23-year-old star, other recipients of the Khel Ratna recognition, were Olympic bronze-winning Indian men's hockey team captain Manpreet Singh, veteran goalkeeper P R Sreejesh, Olympic silver-medallist wrestler Ravi Dahiya, Olympic bronze-winning boxer Lovlina Borgohain and Mithali.

Sunil Chhetri became the first footballer to be bestowed the award, a well-deserved recognition for keeping pace with the likes of Lionel Messi in scoring international goals.

Paralympic gold-winners Avani Lekhara (Shooting), Sumit Antil (Athletics), Pramod Bhagat (Badminton), Krishna Nagar (Badminton), Manish Narwal (Shooting) were also given the Khel Ratna.

Along with 12 Khel Ratnas, India this year has 35 Arjuna awardees. The long list this year was a result of the historic medal hauls at the Olympics (7) and Paralympics (19).

The event is traditionally held on August 29 every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.

The Khel Ratna award carries a cash prize purse of Rs 25 lakh, a medal a scroll of honour.

The Arjuna award carries a prize money of Rs 15 lakh, a bronze statue and a scroll of honour.

Present at Saturday's ceremony was sports minister Anurag Thakur along with a host of other dignitaries, including his predecessor Kiren Rijiju.

Also Read : My entire focus is on sports, biopic can wait until I win more medals: Neeraj Chopra

News Source : PTI

(Cricket news) The Khel Ratna award is the highest sporting honour in India and is given to a person for outstanding achievement in sports and when it comes to women's cricket there is no one who has achieved more than Mithali. She could become the first female cricketer to receive the award to add to the Arjuna award she received in 2003 and 2015 Padma Shri.

It was way back in 1999 when a 17-year-old Mithali Raj scored a hundred on her international debut. She was the youngest woman to score an international century till 16-year-old Irish batter Amy Hunter broke the record this very month. Since then Raj has gone on to become one of the best cricketers in the world. 

Her contribution to women's cricket in India is unparalleled. She has led India to two World Cup finals in 2005 and 2017. She is the highest run-scorer in women's international cricket and the only female cricketer to surpass the 7,000 run mark in W-ODI matches. Raj also holds the record for most half-centuries in WODIs. In 2018 became the first player from India (man or woman) to reach 2000 runs in T20Is.

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Now at the age of 38 with all this legacy behind her, Mithali Raj is still chasing her dream of winning a World Cup for her country. Raj will captain India in the 2022 Women's Cricket World Cup in New Zealand to try and win India it's first ever Women's World Cup. Mithali Raj has now retired from T20Is but continues to captain India in Test and ODIs.

For the longest time Mithali Raj along with teammate Jhulan Goswami were the only two well known cricketers in India. Now women's cricket has gained popularity in India and people follow and support the team. Mithali Raj has seen the transition up close from cricketers having to search for their own sponsors and gears to now BCCI coming into the picture so that players can concentrate on the game and not worry about other things. 

Other recommended athletes include Neeraj Chopra (Athletics),Ravi Dahiya (Wrestling), PR Sreejesh (Hockey), Lovlina Borgohain (Boxing), Sunil Chettri (Football), Mithali Raj (Cricket), Pramod Bhagat (Badminton), Sumit Antil (Athletics), Avani Lekhara (Shooting), Krishna Nagar (Badminton),Manish Narwal (Shooting).

New Delhi, Oct 27 (Sports news) Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who became only the second Indian to win an individual Olympic gold at the Tokyo Games, and silver medal-winning wrestler Ravi Dahiya were on Wednesday recommended for the Khel Ratna as an unprecedented 11 athletes were selected for the country's highest sporting honour.

Boxer Lovlina Borgohain, who won a bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, seasoned hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and woman cricket Test skipper Mithali Raj were also recommended for the Major Dhyanchand Khel Ratna by the selection committee.

Iconic Sunil Chhetri also became the country's first footballer to be selected for the honour.

Last year, five athletes were picked for the award while four were selected after the 2016 Rio Games.

The announcement of the national sports awards was delayed in order to consider the performance of the para-athletes in the Tokyo Paralympics (August 24 to September 5).

Shooter Avani Lekhara and Manish Narwal, javelin thrower Sumit Antil and shuttlers Pramod Bhagat and Krishna Nagar, who all have won a gold each in the Tokyo Paralympics, completed the list of those recommended for the Khel Ratna. The committee also picked 35 athletes for the Arjuna award, eight more than last year's number of awardees.

Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, para TT player Bhavina Patel, para shuttler Suhas Yathiraj and high jumper Nishad Kumar are among those selected for the Arjuna award.

Members of the men's hockey team that won a historic bronze in the Olympics will also receive Arjuna award.

Also Read : Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra and other Tokyo Games participants felicitated by JSW Sports

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Oct 10 (Sports news) India's Tokyo Paralympics medallists, including star shooter Avani Lekhara, were on Sunday felicitated by Delhi Golf Club and Piramal Group here.

Fourteen Paralympians, including Sumit Antil (gold in javelin throw), Manish Narwal (gold in shooting), Pramod Bhagat (gold in badminton) and Krishna Nagar (gold in badminton), besides Lekhara, were presented with cash rewards and mementos at the DGC.

Other Paralympians who were felicitated included two-time gold winner and Tokyo Games silver winner javelin thrower Devender Jhajharia and high jumper Mariyappan Thangavelu (who won gold in 2016 Rio and silver in Tokyo). The felicitation was organised to celebrate the triumph of their spirit over seemingly insurmountable odds.

India won an unprecedented 19 medals -- five gold, eight silver and six bronze -- to finish 24th overall in the medal tally in the Tokyo Paralympics early last month.

"It has always been our endeavour to celebrate India's sportspersons to inspire the youth and next generation of athletes. The iconic achievements of the Paralympians will continue to inspire Indians for generations to come," the DGC said in a release.

Also Read : India will double its medal tally in Paris Paralympics: Pramod Bhagat

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Sep 28 (Sport news) India's history-making Olympians and Paralympians have joined hands in a health ministry initiative promoting safe celebrations to prevent a surge in COVID-19 cases during the upcoming festival season.

The likes of Olympic champion javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and trail-blazer Paralympics gold-medallist shooter Avani Lekhara will remind citizens of the continued importance of observing COVID Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) like maintaining hand hygiene, keeping six feet distance, wearing a mask, and vaccinating themselves if they are above 18 years of age.

"Khathinaaiyon ka samjhdhaari se saamna aur samaadhaan nikaalna humari zimmedaari hai (To resolve and face problems is our responsibility) …Sports aur Zindagi mein!" they ca be heard saying in a promotional video.

Other athletes who feature in the video to support the initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare include Tokyo Olympics medal-winning wrestlers Ravi Kumar Dahiya and Bajrang Punia, fencer Bhavani Devi and goalkeeper of India's bronze-winning men's hockey team PR Sreejesh.

Besides Lekhara, other Tokyo Paralympics medal-winners who feature in the video are high-jumper Praveen Kumar, archer Harvinder Singh, discus thrower Yogesh Kathuniya, shuttler Manoj Sarkar and club throw finalist Ekta Bhyan.

"With the festival season beginning in India with aplomb, India's decorated Olympians and Paralympians have joined hands ... in a video that has been produced to support the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's efforts to inspire and promote safe celebrations during the festival period to prevent a surge in COVID-19 cases," a release said.

"The video titled #TyoharonKeRangCABKeSang demonstrates hope against all adversity and features India’s Olympic and Paralympic heroes reminding their fellow citizens to not let their guard down during their celebrations and to celebrate festivals responsibly." The ministry said the country's Olympians and Paralympians embodied the very spirit of India by rising up to the challenge, against all odds to win medals.

"Through this video, the essence of their conquering spirit is captured, to encourage and inspire the 1.3 billion Indian citizens to similarly overcome COVID-19 by observing all COVID Appropriate protocols and urging others to celebrate #COVIDSafeFestivities.

"The inspiring video is a reminder to all Indians that nothing is impossible and that together we can overcome any of our adversities including the current pandemic." India won an unprecedented seven medals in the Tokyo Olympics, including the gold by Chopra in July-August. Later, the country's Paralympians scooped 19 medals, including five gold, in a record-breaking performance.

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Chennai, Sep 9 (Sports news): Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday called upon the nation to fix a target to double the medal tally in the 2024 Paris Olympics and also for building "all-encompassing support system" for the young and aspiring athletes.

India's stellar performance at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 had filled the hearts of the countrymen with pride and even more gratifying were the achievements of Paralympians who through their single-minded focus, grit and resilience brought home a record number of 19 medals propelling India into the top 25 at the para games, the Vice President said.

"This is a historic moment in India’s sporting journey and their exemplary performance has not only changed people's perception towards disability but has also kindled hopes of India emerging as a major sporting power," he said while virtually inaugurating the Tiruchirappalli Campus of SRM Institute of Science and Technology from the Raj Bhavan here.

"Let us set a target for ourselves to double the medal count in Paris Olympics in 2024 and lose no time in trying to achieve it," he said and urged all stakeholders, including the private sector, to come together to build an all-encompassing support system for the country's young and aspiring athletes.

"If an enabling ecosystem is created, I am sure, there are many more Avani Lekharas (who won a gold medal in rifle shooting in Tokyo 2020 Paralympics) and Neeraj Chopras (Javelin thrower who won gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics) waiting in the wings, whose talent can be nurtured successfully," he said. Educational institutions like SRM Institute whose student Nethra Kumanan, the first Indian sailor to qualify for the Olympics, should take a lead in this direction, the Vice President said.

On the challenge of employability, Venkaiah Naidu stressed the need to increase employability by focusing on the skills required for the Industry. "Every year, the country produces around 1.5 million engineers, but a survey suggests that only seven per cent of them are suitable for core engineering jobs," he pointed out. Hence, the emphasis must be on building a stronger academia-industry connection and ensuring that creative research results in the application of ground-breaking solutions.

The students on their part should equip themselves with emotional and social skills that will enable them to adapt to a rapidly changing world. "Develop a positive outlook towards life and seek to contribute to the larger cause of nation-building. Strive constantly to use your education for the good of others, society and the nation at large," he advised.

The services of the SRM group in collaborating with the Government on clinical trials with respect to COVID-19, and also in providing affordable and necessary healthcare facilities to those affected by the pandemic were commendable, he said. The Vice President appreciated the vision and leadership of the founder of the group, Dr T. R. Paarivendhar, and said the SRM group's focus on quality education is in tune with the Government's vision in laying the foundation for an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit, founder Chancellor of SRM IST and Member of Parliament T R Paarivendhar, president, SRM IST, Niranjan, and chairman, SRM Groups, Ramapuram and Trichy Campuses Dr R Shivakumar were among those who attended the virtual event.

Also read: Sports Minister felicitates triumphant Paralympians, hopes for better show in 2024

News source: PTI 

New Delhi, Sep 8 (Paralympics news): Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Wednesday felicitated the 17 medal-winners from the Tokyo Paralympics, saying he expects them to shatter more records in the 2024 Paris Games after raising the bar with a stupendous performance this time.

The Indian para-athletes registered their best-ever performance in the Tokyo Games by winning an unprecedented 19 medals, including five gold, eight silver and six bronze.

Shooters Avani Lekhara (gold and bronze) and Singhraj Adana (silver and bronze) were the ones to finish on the podium twice.

"It was my dream to win a medal for my country and I had trained hard for it. Has it sunk in? not yet. I am so happy and grateful," said the 19-year-old Lekhara, who became the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic gold.

Thakur lauded her and all others who finished on the podium, presenting them with mementos to honour their feats.

"I recall in the 2016 Paralympics, the size of the Indian contingent was 19, while this year the country has won as many as 19 medals. You have shown us that the human spirit is the most powerful of all," Thakur said at the function where the medal-winners were given a standing ovation.

"Our medal tally has increased by about five times. For the first time we have won medals in table tennis and archery, competed for the first time in canoeing and powerlifting. We equalled two world records and we broke even more. India's para athletes delivered a perfect podium finish," he added.

He offered government's full support to the athletes.

"The government's approach in extending support to athletes for international competitions has undergone a transformational change. The government will continue to support India's paralympians with facilities and funding so that they may continue to excel internationally.

"We'd like to encourage more regional and national tournaments for our paralympians so they can regularly compete and hone their skills," said Thakur.

The function was also attended by Thakur's predecessor and current Law and Justice Minister Kiren Rijiju and Minister of State for Sports Nisith Pramanik among others.

Also present on the occasion were Sports Secretary Ravi Mittal, Sports Authority of India Director General Sandip Pradhan, Paralympic Committee of India President Deepa Malik.

Malik thanked the government for constant support. India had sent a 54-strong contingent to the Games, the country's biggest ever.

Also read: India's history-making Paralympians return to rousing reception

News source: PTI

New Delhi, (Paralympics news): The last batch of India's triumphant Paralympic athletes, including shooting sensation Avani Lekhara and shuttler-cum-bureaucrat Suhas Yathiraj, returned home to a rousing reception on Monday with their supporters and families thronging the airport for a glimpse of the heroes.

India returned with an unprecedented 19 medals, including five gold, eight silver and six bronze to sign off the country's best-ever Paralympics campaign by finishing 24th in the overall tally on Sunday.

The last batch of Indian para athletes, who returned home this evening were the badminton contingent, shooters and recurve archery team.

Among the medal-winning para athletes who returned to a grand welcome were 19-year-old Lekhara, who won a gold and bronze, gold winning shuttlers Pramod Bhagat, and Krishna Nagar, silver-medallist Yathiraj, bronze-medallist Manoj Sarkar, and triumphant shooters Singhraj Adana and Manish Narwal among others.

The para athletes were received by Haryana Sports Minister and former hockey player Sandeep Singh, officials of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), besides a swarm of fans among others.

Earlier, silver medal winning table tennis player Bhavinaben Patel also returned to the country in the morning along with other athletes and officials.

All the athletes were garlanded and escorted out of the terminal by airport's civil defence volunteers amid thunderous applause.

The Tokyo-returned para athletes are scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.

Also read:Plan is to identify important junior International paralympic events to unearth talent: Deepa Malik

News source: PTI 

New Delhi, (Sports news): He battled not just loss of limb but also suicidal thoughts not too long ago and as javelin thrower Sundar Singh Gurjar celebrated his maiden Paralympic bronze, he couldn't help but be thankful to the people who drew him out of the abyss, especially his coach Mahavir Saini.

Till 2015, Sundar competed in able-bodied competitions and was even a part of the junior national camp featuring Tokyo Olympics gold-medallist Neeraj Chopra among others.

But the 25-year-old's life changed drastically when a tin shed fell on him at his friend's house leading to the amputation of his left hand.

Sundar didn't lose hope though and with the unflinching support of his coach, he returned to the turf in the para athlete category. In a year's time, he qualified for the 2016 Rio Paralympics before fate once again played a cruel role and he was left shattered.

"...I fought back and qualified for 2016 Paralympics only to be disqualified. That time I started thinking everything is finished, there is nothing left for me," Sundar said in an interview.

"I thought of committing suicide but that time my coach (Mahavir Saini) realised something wrong is going on in my mind. For a month he kept me along with him 24x7, didn't leave me alone.

"As time passed, my thoughts started to change. I started thinking I will start playing again and answer back to the world." It was a delay of 52 seconds in reaching the call room that led to his disqualification from Rio Games.

"I was leading at the top in my event during 2016 Paralympics but I was just 52 seconds late in reaching the call room and I was disqualified. I was really heartbroken after that, said the F46 javelin throw bronze-medallist from Tokyo.

Sundar credits his coach Mahavir for single-handedly transforming his life and career.

"I used to play sports since 2009. Initially I used to do shot put and I had a medal in shot put in nationals. I did shot put for one-and-half years and after that my coach Mahavir Saini told me if you have to shine in your career you have to leave shot put and start javelin," he said.

"He might have seen some talent in me and he started training me. From there till now, coach saab has supported me a lot." Sundar also recalled his time training with Neeraj at the camp.

"He was two years junior to me. I used to play Under-20 and he used to be in Under-18. We played a few competitions together at the youth level. In junior India camp me and Neeraj were together in SAI Sonepat camp in 2013-14. Then I suffered an accident in 2015 and came under para," he said.

"But our success will definitely inspire the younger generation in taking up the sport." Sundar is now determined to better the the colour of his medal. "I feel I still have some drawbacks. I won a medal in Paralympics but I am not satisfied because my target was to win the gold and I hope to do that in 2024 Paris Paralympics.

"My first focus would be on Para Asian Games and the World Championships next year but the final target is Paris," he said.

Sundar has been working as an officer in Rajasthan government's forest department along side compatriots Avani Lekhara and Devendra Jhajharia since November last year but he got his first salary just after winning the Paralympic medal.

"I have been working in forest department in Rajasthan since 5th November 2020. But the day I won the Paralympics medal, within two hours I got my first salary of 10 months," he rued.

Also read: TT robot facilitated by SAI helped me create history at Paralympics, says Bhavina

News Source: PTI

Tokyo, Sep 5 (Paralympic news): Inspirational, incredible and indomitable.

India's paralympians managed to be all these and much more in an epoch-making campaign at the Tokyo Games where an unparalleled 19 medals, including five gold, helped them sign off 24th in the overall tally -- the highest ever.

The tally also included eight silver and six bronze medals but most importantly, it was a performance during which history was scripted almost everyday with the contingent living up to the 'Spirit in Motion' motto of the Games.

Even on the last day of competitions, the medal rush did not stop and Krishna Nagar won a gold after Noida's District Magistrate Suhas Yathiraj signed off his brilliant run with a silver to complete a remarkable badminton show.

The duo's performance was like icing on the cake for the contingent which found new heroes, celebrated some established ones and brought para-sports firmly into spotlight in India.

In all, 54 came to Tokyo and 17 of them left with medals around their necks.

It was an improved performance no doubt but calling it just improvement would be an understatement given that India's overall Games haul was a mere 12 before this edition.

To put things in perspective, at the 2016 Rio Games, India had 19 athletes across five disciplines with four returning with medals in the end.

"Phenomenal Rise of Indian Paralympians! A New Era has Begun," said sports minister Anurag Thakur.

There were several firsts to celebrate and the euphoria lasted the entire duration of the Games.

Two athletes, shooters Avani Lekhara and Singhraj Adana, finished on podium twice, creating their own legacies in their debut Paralympics.

The 19-year-old Lekhara became the first Indian woman to win a Games gold (10m air rifle) and later added a bronze in 50m rifle 3 positions to ensure that her name would now be part of every India-centric Paralympic quiz.

It was an inspiring show by the teenage who was paralysed waist down after being injured in a car accident in 2012.

And to think of it, all her father had hoped to achieve by taking her to shooting range was for Lekhara to get over the anger she had internalised after the accident which left her wheelchair-bound.

The 39-year-old Adana, on the other hand, was a late bloomer after taking a liking to the pistol while dropping his nephew to the range.

His right hand impaired, Adana knocked off a 10m air pistol bronze and 50m pistol silver to ensure that India had more than one double-medallist in the same Games for the first time ever.

There was the first medal in archery through Harvinder Singh (bronze), impaired after wrong medication for dengue, the first medal in table tennis by waist-down paralysed Bhavinben Patel (silver) and also a remarkable two gold medals in badminton through short of stature Nagar and a polio-stricken Pramod Bhagat. Another shooting star rose on horizon with Manish Narwal, all of 19, already a world champion and now a Paralympic champion as well.

Narwal's right hand is impaired and he originally wanted to be a footballer but fate had other plans for the Lionel Messi fan.

Not to mention the legends -- Devendra Jhajharia (javelin throw) and Mariyappan Thangavelu (high jump).

The two long-time flag-bearers of Indian para-sports, who won gold medals in 2016 Rio, and finished on podium again, this time with silver medals, cementing their place among all-time greats of Indian sports.

Bigger than their medals were the circumstances they beat like every athlete that they competed against.

So if Lekhara found her strength with a rifle in her hand after a car accident, Jhajharia, at 40 and with an arm lost to electrocution as a child, showed what longevity truly means in sport.

Nearly half (8) of India's haul this time came from the track-and-field arena with javelin thrower Sumit Antil shining the brightest with a gold en route which he shattered his own world record five times over.

Antil was pursuing a career in wrestling, as his family wanted, before a bike accident led to the amputation of his left leg, changing the course of his life forever.

At 18, Praveen Kumar became India's youngest medallist with a silver in high jump which came with an Asian record for the debutant, whose left leg is impaired.

Another shinning star was Sundar Singh Gurjar, who finished behind Jhajharia in javelin throw.

Gurjar lost his left hand in an accident and in his maiden Paralympics in Rio, he was disqualified after failing to register in time for his event.

He slipped into depression after the heartbreak and had thought of never touching the javelin again but was convinced into giving it another shot by his coaches.

This time, Gurjar was on the clock and also on the podium.

In fact, all of them, even the ones who didn't win a medal, are a personification of fortitude, having braved and beaten circumstances that were difficult at best and improbable at worst.

The performance was a perfect end to India's Tokyo sojourn after able-bodied athletes snared an unprecedented seven Olympic medals last month, including the first individual gold in 13 years. But the paralympians bested their tally by quite a distance.

In the process, they also handed out life lessons on what it means to fight the odds.

If a world scarred by COVID-19 needed inspiration to fight on, it was there in abundance in Tokyo.

The Games truly lived up to an old marketing slogan coined to promote the event -- "the Olympics is where heroes are made. The Paralympics is where heroes come."

Also read: Manoj Sarkar clinches bronze in the badminton men's singles SL3 at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics

News source: PTI

Tokyo, Sep 5 (Paralympics news): No Indian shooter could make the finals of the mixed 50m rifle prone SH1 event of the Paralympics with newly-discovered star Avani Lekhara ending 28th in the qualification here on Sunday, bringing the curtains down on a historic campaign that yielded an unprecedented five medals in the sport.

Siddhartha Babu came closest to making the cut but he missed the mark by a whisker, ending ninth in the qualification round. Babu shot a score of 617.2, which was just 0.2 behind China's Chao Dong (617.4).

Lekhara, who won a 10m air rifle gold and a 50m rifle 3 positions bronze, came up with a score of 612 to end way down at 28th. It was nonetheless a stupendous Games performance from the 19-year-old debutant, who became the first Indian woman to claim a shooting medal and a Games gold medal.

The third Indian in fray, Deepak, ended third from bottom at 46th after shooting a score of 602.2.

Athletes in SH1 Rifle have an impairment in their legs, for example amputations or paraplegia.

The mixed event features shooters of both genders.

India's shooting campaign thus came to an end with an unprecedented haul of five medals, including two gold.

Apart from Lekhara, 19-year-old Manish Narwal too struck gold, in the men's 50m pistol SH1 event.

Singhraj Adana also claimed two medals in the competition, a silver in 50m pistol SH1 and a bronze in 10m air pistol SH1 events.

Also read: Krishna Nagar secures India's second gold in Badmintion at the Tokyo Paralympics

News source: PTI 

Tokyo, Sep 3 (Paralympics news) Not quite satisfied despite becoming the first Indian woman to win two Paralympic medals, shooter Avani Lekhara on Friday said she had it in her to perform better at the ongoing Games but was done in by the nerves.

The 19-year-old, who had won the 10m air rifle standing SH1 gold, added a 50m rifle 3 position SH1 bronze to her haul, making her the first Indian woman with two Paralympic medals and second overall from the country to claim multiple medals in the same edition of the Games.

"I was not satisfied with the gold only (laughs), when I won the gold, I wanted to fire that last shot better...so this bronze is definitely not satisfying," Lekhara said in a virtual press conference facilitated by broadcasters Eurosport and the Paralympic Committee of India.

"...that's what finals do to you, you become nervous.

"I am keeping all the celebrations aside and focusing on the next match, so that is my goal, to give my 100 per cent in the next event also," she said referring to the mixed 50m rifle prone event on Sunday.

Lekhara reiterated her admiration for Olympic gold-medallist Abhinav Bindra and that she always wanted to become like him. On Friday, she in fact went one better on him with her second medal.

"...when I read Abhinav Bindra Sir's autobiography, it really inspired me, because he gave his 100 per cent to what he did and he won India's first individual gold medal.

"I always wanted to become like him (Bindra) and always wanted to make my country proud, so that is what inspired me a lot," she said.

"I am very happy that I was able to get another medal for the country and it is just I still can't believe it.

Lekhara, competing in her debut Games, qualified second for Friday's event with a score of 1176, including 51 inner 10s.

In the fiercely contested finals, she totalled 445.9 to finish ahead of Ukraine's Iryna Shchetnik, who let slip her grip on the medal spot with a poor third shot of 9.9 in the elimination.

"...for me it was to give (my) best in standing. And I just thought everybody is feeling the same, so I just concentrated on myself, without thinking about others," she elaborated when asked about her mindset.

Athletes in SH1 Rifle have an impairment in their legs, for example amputations or paraplegia. Some athletes compete in a seated position, while others compete in a standing position.

The Jaipur-based shooter sustained spinal cord injuries in a car accident in 2012 rendering her immobile.

"I had never won a medal in sitting, this is my first international (medal), so I was more nervous. But I just had my focus on my shots. So (in the) last match I was focusing on one shot at a time and it just happened," she said.

Also read: Avani Lekhara wins her second medal in Shooting at the Tokyo Paralympics

Lekhara also thanked her coaches especially former Olympian shooter Suma Shirur, for the assistance she gave.

"We have a very wonderful team, my coaches, JP Nautiyal Sir, Subhash Rana Sir, Suma (Shirur) ma'am, my support staff, all the team members and the other athletes.

"We have a very good environment, very supportive, so that helps. If I had any problem, Suma ma'am kept me motivated and she helped me a lot. It is like a team effort," she signed off. 

News source: PTI

New Delhi, Sep 3 (Paralympics news) Four Indian para athletes, including javelin throw gold medallist Sumit Antil, on Friday returned home to a never-seen-before boisterous welcome during which supporters and media jostled to catch a glimpse of them at the airport here.

Chaotic scenes unfolded at the Indira Gandhi international Airport here as fans and an army of media-persons disregarded COVID-19 protocols, jostling for space to get hold of the four para athletes, especially Sumit.

Apart from Sumit, three-time Paralympic medallist javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia, who won a silver this time, silver-medallist in discus throw Yogesh Kathuniya and Sharad Kumar, who won bronze in high jump, were also given a warm welcome.

"Our Champions are back home and is overjoyed at their arrival. Love & wishes are pouring in for @sumit_javelin @DevJhajharia @YogeshKathuniya @sharad_kumar01," Sports Authority of India (SAI) wrote in a tweet.

The four athletes were welcomed enthusiastically by SAI officials, who garlanded them and presented them with bouquets on arrival.

The athletes, displaying their medals, posed for photographs inside the airport even as fans waved the tricolour and played drums to celebrate their medal winning feats outside.

Supporters, many of them without masks, looked to outpace each other in garlanding the four athletes as they walked out of the airport even as media persons battled to get reactions from the heroes.

Sumit, 23, had smashed his world record five times for the F64 class gold, while Jhajharia, a two-time gold medallist, cemented his status of being India's greatest para-athlete with a F46 category silver.

Also read: Avani Lekhara wins her second medal in Shooting at the Tokyo Paralympics

Kathuniya won a discus throw silver in F56 class, while Sharad claimed a T42 high jump bronze.

India's medal tally at the Games has soared to an unprecedented 12 already, including two gold medals.

This is the first time that the country has hit the double digit mark at the showpiece. 

News source: PTI

Tokyo, Sep 3 (Paralympics news)Live updates: Indian swimmers Suyash Narayan Jadhav and Niranjan Mukundan failed to qualify for the S7 class final of men's 50m butterfly event at the Tokyo Paralympics here on Friday.

Suyash, who claimed a gold medal at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, finished fifth in heat 1 after clocking 32.36s, 2.65 seconds behind leader Austin Evan (29.71) of USA.

In heat 2, Mukundan, the 26-year-old from Bengaluru, finished at the sixth position with a timing of 33.82s.

Also read: Avani Lekhara wins her second medal in Shooting at the Tokyo Paralympics

Only the top four in each heat qualifies for the final.

In S7 classification, swimmers have limited leg function or are missing a leg or parts of both legs.

This is the first time after the 1972 that para swimmers competing in the Games for India. 

News source: PTI

(Shooting News) Tokyo Paralympics 2021 Live Update: Avani Lekhara scripted history by winning the Bronze medal in the Women's 50m Rifle 3P SH1 at the Tokyo Paralympics. She shot a 445.9 in the final to be placed third in the event. She had earlier won the Gold medal in Women's R2 - 10m air rifle SH1 and is the second Indian athlete after Joginder Singh Bedi in the 1984 Stoke Mandeville/New York to win multiple medals in a single edition of the Paralympic Games.

Avani is the only Indian woman to win a Gold medal and also win multiple medals in a single edition of the Paralympic Games, this is India’s 12th medal at the Tokyo Paralympics and there are more events to come.

Also read: Harvinder Singh and Vivek Chikara keep Indian medal hopes alive in Archery at the Tokyo Paralympics
 

Tokyo, Sep 2 (Paralympics news)Live Updates: Indian shooter Rahul Jakhar signed off 5th in the P3 mixed 25m pistol SH1 event of the Paralympics here on Thursday.

The 35-year-old Jakhar was eliminated at the end of the seventh series in the finals after qualifying second with a score of 576, which included 284 in precision and 292 in the rapid stage.

It is by far his best international performance.

Athletes in SH1 pistol competitions have an impairment affecting one arm and/or the legs, resulting from amputations or spinal cord injuries.

The other Indian in fray, Akash, could not qualify for the finals after ending 20th in the qualifications with a score of 551 (278 in precision and 273 in rapid).

The mixed event features both male and female shooters with the top eight qualifying for the finals.

Also read: Taekwondo player Aruna withdraws from Paralympics repechage due to suspected fracture

China's Xing Huang claimed the gold medal with a Paralympic record score of 27 in the finals. He also holds the world record score of 36 that he shot in 2018 in this event.

Poland's Szymon Sowinski claimed the silver with a 21, while Ukraine's Oleksii Denysiuk notched up the bronze after finishing at 20 in the finals.

India have so far claimed two medals in shooting.

The first was an unprecedented gold by Avani Lekhara in the women's 10m air rifle SH1 competition.

Singhraj Adana later picked up a bronze in the men's 10m air pistol SH1 event. 

News source: PTI

(Badminton news) Tokyo Paralympic 2021 Live Update: Lucas Mazur and Faustine Noel of France defeated Pramod Bhagat and Palak Kohli 9-21, 21-15, 19-21 in a closely contested clash. The Indian duo started off well, taking a 2-1 lead in the first game but the French made a strong comeback to win 9-21 quickly.

Lucas and Faustine started the second game well, but Pramod and Palak were determined to not lose the game in straight sets and won the game 21-15 to force the match into a decider. In a closely contested third game, Lucas Mazur and Faustine Noel got an 8-5 lead before the Indians made a comeback to level the score 9-9. However, the French duo were determined not to let the game slip away and regained their advantage with the score 14-9 while Pramod Bhagat and Palak Kohli refused to back down by scoring six consecutive points and leading 15-14.

However, it was France’s turn to make a comeback as Lucas Mazur and Faustine Noel refused to surrender and won the decider 19-21 to win the clash.

Also read: Shooters Avani Lekhara, Sidhartha Babu and Deepak Saini fail to qualify in the Mixed 10m Air Rifle event

(Shooting news) Tokyo Paralympics 2021 Live Update: On day 8 of the Tokyo Paralympics, Indian shooters Avani Lekhara, Sidhartha Babu and Deepak Saini failed to qualify in the Mixed 10m Air Rifle event where eight out of 47 participants make their way into the final. Despite trying their best, Avani finished 27th, Siddhartha Babu 40th and Deepak Saini 43rd.

19 year old Avani Lekhara had earlier won a gold medal in the women’s 10m air rifle standing event in the SH 1 category and has been named as brand ambassador for the ‘Beti Bachao and Beti Padhao’ project.

Also read: Singhraj takes the Bronze in Men's 10m Air Pistol SH1 at the Tokyo Paralympics
 

New Delhi, Aug 30 (Paralympics news) President of India Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the political brass of the country in congratulating the Indian Paralympic athletes, who made the nation proud with their rich haul of medals at the Tokyo Games on Monday.

Two-time gold-winning javelin throw veteran Devendra Jhajharia clinched a stupendous third Paralympic medal, a silver this time, while discus thrower Yogesh Kathuniya also finished second as India surpassed its best ever medal tally at the Games on Monday.

Sundar Singh Gurjar also chipped in with a bronze, finishing behind Jhajharia in the men's javelin throw F46 final. India's medal count has now risen to seven, including one gold (shooting), three more than the four secured in the 2016 Rio Games.

Besides, shooter Avani Lekhara scripted history as she became the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the Paralympics, firing her way to the top of the podium in the R-2 women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event in Tokyo.

The 19-year-old from Jaipur, who sustained spinal cord injuries in a car accident in 2012, finished with a world record equalling total of 249.6, which is also a new Paralympic record.

"Delighted to see our Paralympians bring more glory to the nation! Yogesh Kathuniya wins silver in discus throw, Devendra Jhajharia and Sundar Singh Gurjar bags silver and bronze respectively in javelin throw. Congratulations! Every Indian is celebrating your success," President Kovind tweeted.

"Another daughter of India makes us proud! Congratulations to Avani Lekhara for creating history and becoming the first Indian woman to win a Gold at #Paralympics. India is elated by your stellar performance! Our tricolour flies high at the podium due to your phenomenal feat," Kovind wrote in another tweet.

PM Modi also took to the social networking site to pass across his wishes to the proud para athletes.

"Superb performance by @DevJhajharia! One of our most experienced athletes wins a Silver medal. Devendra has been making India continuously proud. Congratulations to him. Best of luck for his future endeavours. #Paralympics "India is overjoyed by the Bronze medal won by @SundarSGurjar. He has shown remarkable courage and dedication. Congratulations to him. Wishing him the very best. #Paralympics," he wrote.

"Outstanding performance by Yogesh Kathuniya. Delighted that he brings home the Silver medal. His exemplary success will motivate budding athletes. Congrats to him. Wishing him the very best for his future endeavours. #Paralympics "Phenomenal performance @AvaniLekhara! Congratulations on winning a hard-earned and well-deserved Gold, made possible due to your industrious nature and passion towards shooting. This is truly a special moment for Indian sports. Best wishes for your future endeavours," Modi added.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu also congratulated the para athletes for bringing glory to the country.

"Indian players have performed exceptionally well in the men's javelin throw event (F46) at the Tokyo Paralympics. Devendra Jhajharia won silver medal and Sundar Singh Gurjar won bronze medal. The nation is proud of your successes. Best wishes for future successes.

"Congratulations to Yogesh Katunia, who won a gold medal in the women's 10m air rifle at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020, and a silver medal in the men's discus throw. The country is proud of their achievements. I wish their future a bright future.#Paralympics," he tweeted.

Also read: Sumit Antil breaks World Record thrice to win Gold in Javelin Throw F64 at the Tokyo Paralympics

"The entire nation is proud of your accomplishments. My best wishes for your bright future ahead," Naidu added.

Sports Minister Anurag Thakur also wished para shooter Lekhara on her tremendous feat.

"Amazing Avani winsFirst place medal. A historic achievement as she becomes the only woman in Olympics & Paralympics to win a gold ! "Shooting in 10m AR Standing SH1 Final. Score of 249.6 creating a Paralympic Record. Equalling the World Record," Thakur wrote his twitter handle.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was not to be left behind as he also wished the para athletes on their stupendous show in Tokyo so far.

"Devendra Jhajharia and Sundar Singh Gurjar have won #Silver and #Bronze respectively in Men’s Javelin Throw F46 event. Big congratulations! This has been a good morning for sports in India," he wrote.

"Congratulations for the #Silver to Yogesh Kathuniya! The nation stands proud of your inspirational achievements.

"Morning starts with the great news of Avni Lakhera winning #Gold .

Big Congratulations! Another daughter makes India proud. #TokyoParalympics," Gandhi added.

News source: PTI

(Athletics news) Tokyo Paralympics 2021 Live Update: Sumit Antil knew no limits today as he kept smashing the world record with ease at the Tokyo Paralympics in Men’s F64 Javelin Throw. He smoked the field in his first two attempts as it steered ahead from the rest of the field. Sumit held the previous world record of 62.88m which he had achieved in November 2019. This time he went even further as he threw a 66.95m in his first attempt and kept going further as when he recorded a huge 68.08m in his second attempt. In his fifth attempt as the Javelin took flight, it did not look to land anytime soon and when it did it was marked at 68.55m as there was nothing left to prove.

Sandeep Chaudhary, another world record holder in the F44 event came really close to the podium as he missed out on a Bronze medal. He finished 4th with a season best throw of 62.20m coming in his third attempt.

Also read: On top of the world, it's indescribable: Avani Lekhara
 

Jaipur, Aug 30 (Paralympics news) Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Monday congratulated three Paralympic medal winners from the state, announcing cash rewards of up to Rs 3 crore for each of them.

Shooter Avani Lekhara, who has won a gold medal at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo, will be given a cash reward of Rs 3 crore, while javelin throwers Devendra Jhajharia and Sundar Singh Gurjar will get Rs 2 crore and Rs 1 crore respectively for winning silver and bronze medals.

All the three players from Rajasthan have already been appointed to the post of assistant conservator of forest in the state forest department.

"The players of the state have brought laurels to the country and the state by winning medals, we are very proud of them," Gehlot tweeted.

Lekhara scripted history on Monday as she became the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the Paralympics, firing her way to the top of the podium in the R-2 women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event.

The 19-year-old from Jaipur, who sustained spinal cord injuries in a car accident in 2012, finished with a world record equalling total of 249.6, which is also a new Paralympic record.

Also read: On top of the world, it's indescribable: Avani Lekhara

"Heartiest Congratulations to Jaipur's Avani Lekhara for winning first ever Gold for India in ShootingParaSport! What a superb performance by her in Women's 10m AR Standing SH1 Final as she created history! Entire nation is very proud of her. It's a great day for Indian sports!" Gehlot tweeted earlier in the day.

Two-time gold-winning javelin throw veteran Jhajharia clinched a stupendous third Paralympic medal, a silver this time, while Gurjar won a bronze in the men's javelin throw F46 final.

The chief minister congratulated the two, calling it a "marvellous moment".

"We are so proud of Rajasthan's Paralympic javelin throwers Devendra Jhajharia, who grabbed Silver & Sundar Singh Gurjar for claiming Bronze at Men's Javelin Throw event, TokyoParalympics. It's a marvelous moment. Heartiest Congratulations to Dev Jhajharia & Sundar S Gurjar!" he said in another tweet.

Gehlot also hailed Yogesh Kathuniya for winning a silver medal in Men's Discus Throw F56.

"It's great news for all of us. The nation is so proud!" he tweeted.

Kathuniya, a B.Com graduate from New Delhi's Kirorimal College, sent the disc to a best distance of 44.38m in his sixth and last attempt to clinch the silver. 

News source: PTI

Tokyo, Aug 30 (Paralympics news) A car accident in 2012 left Avani Lekhara wheelchair-bound but on Monday the shooter felt "on top of the world" after becoming the first Indian woman to snare a Paralympic gold medal.

Focussing on only one shot at a time and shutting out everything else did the trick for Lekhara. She fired her way to the top of the podium in the R-2 women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 event.

"I can't describe this feeling, I'm feeling like I'm on top of the world. It's unexplainable," she said after the triumph.

Lekhara, who sustained spinal cord injuries in a car accident in 2012, finished with a world record equalling total of 249.6, which is also a new Paralympic record.

On staying calm through the final, Lekhara said, "I was just saying one thing, that I have to take one shot at a time. There's nothing else that matters now, just take one shot at a time and just finish it.

"I just think that I have to follow the process. Beyond that, I try not to think about the score or the medal tally." The 19-year-old from Jaipur, who started shooting on the insistence of her father in 2015 at a city shooting range, was delighted to have become the first Indian woman to win a Paralympics gold.

"I'm so happy I could be the one to contribute it. Hopefully there's a lot of medals more to come." She has not looked back since firing her first shot some six years ago, enjoying every bit of the precision sport while working her way to glory at the showpiece.

Also read: Shooter Avani Lekhara wins India’s first gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympics

"It seems very homely when I lift a rifle. I feel a connection towards it. When you have to focus and the consistency, that's what I like about shooting," she said.

When asked how she began shooting, Lekhara said, "Summer vacations 2015, my father took me to the shooting range. I shot some shots and they were pretty okay. So I just started as a hobby, and here I am." She will also be competing in the mixed 10m Air Rifle Prone SH1, the women's 50m Rifle 3 Positions SH1 and the mixed 50m Rifle Prone event.

In the SH1 Rifle category, shooters are able to hold a gun with arms.

The athletes have an impairment in their legs, for example amputations or paraplegia.

She is only the fourth Indian athlete to win a Paralympics gold after swimmer Murlikant Petkar (1972), javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia (2004 and 2016) and high jumper Mariyappan Thangavelu (2016). 

News source: PTI

(Athletics news) Tokyo Paralympics 2021 Live Update: India grabbed two medals in the Men's Javelin Throw F46 to continue its medal winning spree in the Tokyo Paralympics. Devendra Jhajharia won his record third medal in as many attempts, he took the Silver and Sundar Singh Gurjar proved he is indeed a medal prospect by finishing third in the event. Devendra threw a personal best of 64.35 in his third attempt to secure the second position and Sundar also threw a personal best of 64.01 in his fifth attempt to join his teammate at the podium.

India has so far won a record 7 medals this Parlympics. Bhavina Patel won the Silver in Women’s Singles Class 4 Table Tennis, Vinod Kumar won the Bronze medal in the Discus Throw F52 which is under review, Nishad Kumar won the Silver in High Jump T47, Yogesh Kathuniya won the Silver in Discus Throw F56, Avani Lekhara won a historic Gold in Women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1, Devendra won a Silver and Sundar Singh took the Bronze in Javelin Throw F46.

Also read: Yogesh Kathuniya wins silver at the men’s discus throw at the Tokyo Paralympics

(Athletics news) Tokyo Paralympics 2021 Live Update: An incredible day for the Indian Paralympics contingent continues as discus thrower Yogesh Kathuniya clinches a silver medal at the Tokyo Paralympics in the Men’s F56 category.

Competing against seven others, Yogesh’s nest throw of 44.38 in his sixth attempt was his season's best. He could only make three legitimate throws in the final after throwing distances of 42.84 meters and 43.55 meters in his second and fifth throws. Brazil’s Claudiney dos Santos was the only one to surpass Yogesh Kathuniya’s attempt with a throw of 45.59 meters.

Also read: Shooter Avani Lekhara wins India’s first gold medal at the Tokyo Paralympics

(Shooting news) Tokyo Paralympics 2021 Live Update: Avani Lekhara became the first shooter from India to win a Paralympic medal, and it was a GOLD! The 19 year old showed calmness and maturity beyond her years to finish on top of the Women’s 10m Air Rifle SH1 with a score of 249.6.

Avani finished 7th in the qualification round, scoring 621.7 and competing with the top 5 ranked shooters in the women’s in the SH1 category. Despite being in her late teens, the shooter performed admirably and registered scores of 124.9, 145.7 and 166.9 consecutively. Her pinpoint accuracy meant shots of 10.7 and 10.6 were frequent. Her score of 249.6 meant the Indian shooter set a new Paralympic record and equalled the World Record.

Also read: Bhavina Patel wins silver at the Tokyo Paralympics after losing 3-0 to Zhou Ying from China in the women’s singles
 

New Delhi, Aug 23 (Paralympic news) Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) chief Deepa Malik is expecting the country's para-athletes to create history by recording its best-ever performance at the Tokyo Games beginning Tuesday.

India will field its biggest contingent with 54 athletes set to compete in nine sports -- archery, athletics, badminton, canoeing, shooting, swimming, powerlifting, table tennis and taekwondo.

"Absolutely, my expectations have already gone beyond what I was expecting. This year, India is sending the largest-ever contingent. I am very hopeful that we are going to create history," Malik said when asked if she is expecting the best-ever display.

"It's a contingent which is three times bigger in number, we have added four more sports in the past 4-5 years of gap between 2016-21.

"Almost two years have gone in the pandemic but despite that it's a huge leap in the number of athletes qualifying," Malik said during a virtual press conference to launch a joint campaign with Coca Cola-owned homegrown beverage brand Thumbs Up.

The first woman from India to win a Paralympic medal, Malik said the statistics are looking bright for the Indian contingent.

"It is not just qualification it is also acquiring the quota on the basis of world ranking. The statistics are looking very bright, athletes have done pretty well in the selection trials and the kind of current world rankings they are holding look very promising.

"Because the number of participation and the number of sports has increased, we have top ranking athletes, that gives us a very good indication that it's going to be great Paralympics for Indian history." At the Rio Games in 2016, the Indian contingent returned with a haul of four medals, including two gold, a silver and a bronze.

Also read: Tendulkar seeks support for Paralympic Games, calls para athletes 'real life heroes'

Malik, the Rio Games silver medallist in shot put, said the athletes have adapted well to the conditions in the Games Village.

Talking about the COVID restrictions, she said "We have to submit our samples every morning for COVID testing. Before entering any place you have to give your temperature and maintain a distance. In the village there are designated lanes." Thumbs Up, which has partnered with the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, will also be unveiling a campaign that includes a series of videos and other related visuals for digital and social media to keep the audiences connected with the event and the Indian athletes participating in it.

"My journey of ability beyond disability has been that of breaking stereotypes and myths around disability. The partnership with Thumbs Up is a step forward in that direction," Malik said.

The campaign will feature six athletes including Mariyappan Thangavelu (High jump), Sakina Khatun (Powerlifting), Suyash Yadav (Swimming), Navdeep (Javelin throw), Sumit Antil (Javelin throw), and Avani Lekhara (Shooting).

Battling odds on almost daily basis, the protagonists are seen wearing the "taunts" they are subjected to on their T-shirts against the backdrop of the tagline 'TaanePalatDe'.

Arnab Roy, vice-president and head - marketing, Coca Cola India and south west Asia said, "This strategic partnership is our way of standing in solidarity and saluting the sheer grit and determination of these athletes who have come from different walks of life but showcase the same heroism against all odds and challenges."

News source: PTI

(Paralympic news) The Paralympic Committee of India has awarded Eurosport India rights to show LIVE action, delayed broadcast and highlights for Tokyo 2020 Summer Paralympic Games on Eurosport India and discovery+, events featuring Indian athletes and teams LIVE on Eurosport India.

Vijay Rajput: The Paralympic Committee of India and Eurosport India have a common vision of helping our para-athletes gain visibility amongst the passionate Indian sporting communities.

Mumbai, 11th August 2021: Eurosport India have been given the rights to broadcast the Tokyo 2020 Summer Paralympic Games by the Paralympic Committee of India.

The Tokyo 2020 Summer Paralympic Games, set to take place between 24 August and 5 September. Eurosport will broadcast a global multi-sport event for the first time in India and expand on a diverse range of sports already available to fans across its platforms.

The main focus will be on the local heroes, Eurosport India’s coverage of the Tokyo 2020 Summer Paralympic Games will start on 27 August with the men’s and women’s archery events at Yumenoshima Park Archery Field. The Eurosport feed will also be LIVE on the discovery+ app for the fans to stay up to speed with all the action from Tokyo.

Eurosport’s coverage of the Paralympics in India, which also includes the online platform of discovery+, will ensure fans are given access to the most inspiring local stories told by the best storytellers to unlock the power of sport and the Games.

Mr Gursharan Singh, Secretary General, Paralympic Committee of India said, “At the brink of a historic National Sporting Movement, our Indian Para Sportsmen are inspired and excited to win glory and pride for the country at the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Such honouring moments must and would be shared and celebrated. Indians masses across the globe should be able to bask in the triumphant performance of our Paralympic Stars. Eurosport will be our official Media Broadcasting Partner to share the exciting minute to minute live telecast of the said biggest Para Sporting Event.”

Also read: Delhi High Court refuses to interfere with non-selection of Arjuna Awardee para shuttler Raj Kumar for Tokyo games

Eurosport India shall be the exclusive pay TV partner in the South Asian countries. The rights include showcase of LIVE sports, delayed telecast and highlights across key events in 22 sporting disciplines, treating the Indian sports fans with some scintillating action from the quadrennial sporting spectacle.

Speaking about the association Mr. Vijay Rajput, Senior Vice President – Affiliate sales and Product Distribution, Asia - India Sales & Distribution at Discovery Inc. and Head of Eurosport India, said, “This is a milestone event in the short life of Eurosport India. Eurosport is the Home of Olympics in Europe and our association with the Tokyo 2020 Summer Paralympic Games will be the first step towards a similar journey in India.”

“While the Olympics may receive all the glory, and rightfully so this year with a scintillating performance from India, it’s now time to promote our incredible Paralympic athletes who have made the country proud time and again.

The Paralympic Committee of India and Eurosport India have a common vision of helping our athletes gain visibility amongst passionate Indian sporting communities and this association is a testimony of that. We wish the Indian Paralympic squad the very best for the upcoming Summer Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020.” he added.

India will be fielding 54 Paralympic athletes participating across nine sporting disciplines which makes its the largest ever Indian contingent. Fans will be able to cheer every Indian hero throughout the Games, including world No.3 and world No.2 Sumit Antil and Sandeep Chaudhary in Javelin; Manish Narwal (10m air pistol), Singhraj (10m air pistol) and Avani Lekhara (10m air rifle, 50m air rifle) in shooting and flagbearer Mariyappan Thangavelu in High Jump.

Badminton will make its debut at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Paralympic Games, which will feature as many as five shuttlers in the men’s category – Pramod Bhagat, Manoj Sarkar, Tarun Dhillon, Suhas Yathiraj and Krishna Nagar alongside the women’s doubles pairing of Parul Parmar, Palak Kohli.

New Delhi, Aug 11 (Olympic news) Indian fans can catch all the live action of the country's para athletes during the upcoming Paralympics with the Paralympic Committee of India awarding the rights to broadcast the Games to Eurosport India.

The Tokyo Paralympic Games, scheduled to be held between August 24 and September 5, will be the first time Eurosport broadcasts a global multi-sport event in India.

"Eurosport will be our official Media Broadcasting Partner to share the exciting minute to minute live telecast of the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games," PCI, secretary general Gursharan Singh said in a release.

India will be fielding its largest ever contingent this year with 54 Paralympic athletes participating across nine sporting disciplines.

Also read: Delhi High Court refuses to interfere with non-selection of Arjuna Awardee para shuttler Raj Kumar for Tokyo games

Some of the athletes include world No.3 and world No.2 Sumit Antil and Sandeep Chaudhary in javelin; Manish Narwal (10m air pistol), Singhraj (10m air pistol) and Avani Lekhara (10m air rifle, 50m air rifle) in shooting and Mariyappan Thangavelu in high jump.

Thangavelu will be the flag bearer of the Indian team.

Badminton will make its debut at the Paralympic Games, which will feature as many as five Indian shuttlers in the men's category – Pramod Bhagat, Manoj Sarkar, Tarun Dhillon, Suhas Yathiraj and Krishna Nagar alongside the women's doubles pairing of Parul Parmar and Palak Kohli.

The coverage of the Paralympic Games will start on August 27 with the men's and women's archery events at Yumenoshima Park Archery Field.

The Eurosport feed will also be LIVE on the discovery+ app.

News source: PTI

New Delhi, Jul 12 (Olympics news) Puma India, part of the global sportswear giant, has signed 15 Olympic-bound Indian athletes and three para athletes for the upcoming national and international tournaments.

The move is part of the company's quest to "push boundaries and celebrate diversity in sports".

The brand has signed legendary boxer MC Mary Kom, sprinter Dutee Chand, boxer Pooja Rani, track and field athlete Tejinder Singh, shooter Manu Bhaker, swimmer Srihari Nataraj, hockey players Rupinder Pal Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Gurjant Singh, Savita Punia, Sushila Chanu, Navneet Kaur, Navjot Kaur, Vandana Katariya, Gurjit Kaur and Udita Duhan.

It has also tied up with para-athletes like shooter Avani Lekhara, table tennis champion Bhavina Patel and discus thrower Ekta Bhayan.

Abhishek Ganguly, managing director at Puma India & Southeast Asia, said, "As a brand, we strongly believe that being unique is a great strength and our unwavering commitment to inclusivity in sports is testament to this."

Also read: IOA ropes in meditation-tracking start up to work for mental well-being of Olympic-bound athletes

News source: PTI

New Delhi, Jul 12 (Olympics news) Indian para shooters have the temperament to pull off some good results at the Tokyo Games, says chief national coach JP Nautiyal, who is expecting a haul of at least four medals at the Paralympics.

In a first, a record 10 para shooters, have booked quota places for the Tokyo Paralympics beginning August 24. At the Rio Games, only one shooter – Naresh Sharma – had attained the qualifying berth in rifle events.

"Everyone is working very hard and staying focused. And I am confident that they will produce good results. I am expecting at least four medals including gold from the team," Nautiyal told PCI.

"It has been a great journey for the entire team who have shown great results in the last few years. Many of them also have good temperament to pull off good results in the finals," he added.

The 10-member team, including top pistol shooters Singhraj and Manish Narwal, is currently undergoing six hours of training every day that includes physical and mental training, live shooting, dry firing, strengthening and stretching at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting range.

"It's a balanced team with young and senior players and many of them are coming out with excellent scores in the training that has been ongoing since last month," said the Shooting Technical Committee (STC) president.

Nautiyal's biggest concern remains the mental health of the athletes amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"A lot of countries have been doing very well in the recent past, especially Ukraine and Russia. Tokyo 2020 will definitely be challenging.

Also read: National sports awards selection process to be delayed to include Olympic medallists

"But my biggest worry is keeping the team safe and healthy in this Covid-19 situation. A lot of factors including mental strength will play an important role on the day,” he added.

Team: Men: Manish Narwal (P1, P4), Singhraj (P1, P4), Deepender Singh (P1), Deepak (R1, R6, R7), Sidhartha Babu (R3, R6), Swaroop Mahavir Unhalkar (R1), Akash (P3, P4), Rahul Jakhar (P3).

Women : Avani Lekhara (R2, R3, R6, R8), Rubina Francis (P2).

News source: PTI 

New Delhi, Jul 8 (Olympics news) Indian para shooters, including two women, have booked an unprecedented 10 quota places for the Tokyo Paralympics beginning August 24.

The shooters were picked during a selection committee meeting on Thursday here.

"This is the first time that 10 shooters have been able to achieve the required benchmark for the qualification. Till the Tokyo Paralympics, only one quota of shooter could be achieved but this time shooters grabbed 10 quotas," a release from the Paralympic Committee of India said.

"Scores of Para Shooters from May 2018 to 5th July 2021 in International competitions, National Championship and Selection trials were taken for consideration." Reacting to the selection of the para shooters, Paralympic Committee of India president, Deepa Malik said: "Rubina Francis has qualified for the Tokyo Paralympics with a world record while Avani Lekhara has qualified for all four wheelchair shooting events which is great achievement." "It is a great achievement and a result of hardwork of the coaches and the shooters," added the 50-year-old, who had claimed a silver medal at the 2016 Paralympics in shot put.

National para-shooting coach, Subhash Rana said it was tough to keep the shooters motivated amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Contribution of JP Nautiyal our head coach is enormous. It was tough during the period of Covid to keep the spirit of the shooters," he said.

"But we kept giving them mental tasks to achieve and kept the momentum going through Virtual Conferences and the results at Lima show that we are on the right track." Deepak Sharma, CWG medalist, and Kavinder Chaudhary, vice president of PCI, too were part of the selection committee meeting.

The PCI has also sent three names to IPC under Bipartite Entry System for consideration.

Also read: Paralympic Committee of India picks 24 para athletes for Tokyo Paralympics

News source : PTI