Sumit and Bhagyashri flag-bearers for Paris Paralympics 2024

Flag Bearers and Their Achievements

• Sumit Antil and Bhagyashri Jadhav named joint flag-bearers for Paris 2024 Paralympics

Sumit Antil (25 years old):

• • Reigning javelin throw Paralympic champion in men's F64 category
  • Two-time world champion and world record holder
  • Gold medalist at Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and 2023 World Championships
  • Set world record of 73.29m at 2022 Asian Para Games

Bhagyashri Jadhav (39 years old):

• • Silver medalist in women's shot put F34 category at Asian Para Games
  • Finalist at Tokyo 2020 Paralympics (7th place)
  • Silver medalist at 2024 World Para Athletics Championships

India's Paralympic Contingent and Milestones

• Largest-ever Indian contingent with 84 athletes (32 women)
• Competing in 12 sports, up from 54 athletes in Tokyo 2020
• First-time participation in para cycling, para rowing, and blind judo
• Aiming to surpass the 19-medal haul from Tokyo 2020
• Opening ceremony on August 28, 2024; games conclude on September 8

India's historical Paralympic performance:

• • Total 31 medals: 9 gold, 12 silver, 10 bronze
  • Most successful outing: Tokyo 2020 (19 medals)
  • First medalist: Murlikant Petkar (1972, swimming)
  • First female medalist: Deepa Malik (2016, shot put)
  • First female gold medalist: Avani Lekhara (2020, shooting)

Paris 2024 Paralympics Overview

• 17th Summer Paralympics for disabled athletes
• Dates: August 28 to September 8, 2024
• Organized by the International Paralympics Committee
• 22 sports in total
• Mascot: Paralympic Phryge (based on Phrygian cap, symbolizing liberty)
• Motto: "Games Wide Open"
• Follows the 33rd Summer Olympics (ended August 11, 2024)