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Sheetal Devi, Rakesh Kumar win Paralympic bronze in open compound mixed team event
One amongst the millions of us left in awe of our para-athletes was none other than Nita Ambani herself, who expressed her joy and admiration.
The unparalleled success of the Indian contingent at the Paris Paralympics last night left us all in awe.
India clinched a record-breaking eight medals on day 5 of the 2024 Paris Paralympics as shuttler Kumar Nitesh and javelin thrower Sumit Antil clinched gold medals as India remained on course for a record-breaking medal haul – 19 that were won in Tokyo.
One amongst the millions of us left in awe of our para-athletes was none other than Nita Ambani, who expressed her joy and admiration.
“Indian athletes continue to make the nation proud at the Paris Paralympic Games! Congratulations to Nithya Sivan, Sumit Antil, Sheetal Devi, Rakesh Kumar, Suhas Yathiraj, Thulasimathi Murugesan, Manisha Ramadass, Nitesh Kumar, Yogesh Kathuniya, Nishad Kumar, Preethi Pal, and Rubina Francis for your outstanding medal wins!” stated Mrs. Nita M. Ambani, Founder & Chairperson, Reliance Foundation.
“Your remarkable journeys and triumphs are a shining example of the resilience of the human spirit. You have filled every Indian heart with immense pride and shown us the power of perseverance. Keep inspiring millions, pushing boundaries, and making the tricolor soar to even greater heights! Best of luck to Team India for the Games ahead. Jai Hind!”
Nitesh, a 29-year-old engineering graduate from IIT-Mandi, who lost his left leg in a train accident back in 2009, started the medal rush yesterday as he won the top honours in the men’s singles SL3 category, defeating Tokyo silver-medallist Daniel Bethell of Britain 21-14 18-21 23-21 in a gruelling final that lasted over an hour.
Later in the evening, Antil stole the limelight with his exploits. He became the first Indian man to defend his Paralympic title by winning the javelin throw F64 final with a Games record of 70.59m.
The 26-year-old world record holder from Sonipat in Haryana bettered his own earlier Paralympic best of 68.55m set in Tokyo while winning the gold three years ago. His world record stands at 73.29m.
Antil is the second Indian overall after shooter Avani Lekhara to defend a Paralympic title.
Before Antil entered the scene, Nitesh’s gold was icing on the cake on a day when India also clinched silver medals through discus thrower Yogesh Kathuniya (F56) and para-shuttlers Thulasimathi Murugesan (SU5) and Suhas Yathiraj (SL4), who had won a silver in the Tokyo Games as well. A bronze also came from a para-shuttler in Manisha Ramadass (SU5). and Nithya Sre (SH6).
India also tasted success in archery after the duo of Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar staged a remarkable comeback to clinch a dramatic Bronze medal as well.