India’s Medal Contenders at Tokyo Paralympics 2020: The focus now shifts to the Paralympics from Tokyo Olympics 2020. 54 Indian para-athletes will participate in 9 sports. In the Rio Paralympics 2016, four Indians bagged the medals.
Mriyappan Thangavelu and Devendra Jhajharia, who had won gold medals at Rio Olympics, are expected to again bring the medals in their respective sports. Ahead of Tokyo Paralympics 2020, have a look at India’s top medal contenders.
Mariyappan Thangavelu: Mariyappan secured the yellow medal in the men’s T42 high jump event at the Rio games. He is also the bronze medal winner at the World Para-Athletics Championship 2019.
Devendra Jhajharia: In the Javelin throw event, Devendra has already two medals. In July 2024, to qualify for Tokyo Paralympics 2020, he made a throw of 65.71m.
Pramod Bhagat: With the world number 1 ranking in the Men’s SL3 Singles Para-badminton, Pramod is one of the biggest hopes for the Tokyo games. He already won many gold medals both in singles and doubles at the world championships.
Manish Narwal: Currently, Manish is ranked 4th in the men’s 10m air pistol event and bagged medals at multiple events. He will be in the spotlight at the Paralympics.
Sumit Antil: During the National Para Athletics Championships, in the F44/64 category, Sumit made a world record throw of 66.90m. This throw did not enter the record books because that event was not certified by the International Paralympic Committee.
Ekta Bhyan: In the women’s club throw, Ekta has won a gold medal. She has done wonders with several national titles.
Suyash Jadhav: The para-swimmer is going to be competing at the men’s S7 50m butterfly and men’s 200m SM7 individual medley in Tokyo. He would be a strong medal contender at the Tokyo para-games because he is the Asian Game’s Champion in 50m butterfly.
