India had a memorable Day 4 at the Paris Paralympics 2024, with athletes adding two more medals to the nation’s tally, bringing the total to seven. Both medals came from track and field events, and India also secured at least three more medals in badminton, ensuring the country’s place among the top 30 in the medal standings.
Nishad Kumar Wins Consecutive Paralympic Silver in High Jump
Nishad Kumar delivered a stellar performance in the men’s high jump, securing his second consecutive silver medal at the Paralympic Games. Nishad, who had also won silver at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, cleared a height of 2.04 meters to earn his spot on the podium. Despite his remarkable achievement, Nishad’s disappointment was evident as he was hoping to clinch the gold this time around. The gold medal went to USA’s Roderick Townsend-Roberts, who has consistently been Nishad’s toughest competitor in recent events. Ram Pal, another Indian athlete in the same event, finished seventh with a maximum jump of 1.95 meters.
Preeti Pal Shines with Second Bronze in Women’s 200m T35
Preeti Pal continued her impressive run at the Paris Paralympics by winning her second bronze medal in the women’s 200m T35 event. Preeti clocked a time of 30.01 seconds, making her the first Indian woman to win multiple medals in track and field at the same Paralympic Games. Earlier in the competition, she had secured bronze in the 100m T35 sprint. In both events, China’s Xia Zhou and Qianqian Guo claimed the gold and silver medals, respectively, completing a one-two finish.
Paris Paralympics 2024: Indian Badminton Stars Confirm More Medals
India’s badminton contingent had a fantastic day as Nitesh Kumar, Suhas Yathiraj, and Thulsimathi Murugesan all secured their places in the finals, guaranteeing at least silver medals for the country. Nitesh Kumar defeated Japan’s Daisuke Fujihara with a convincing 21-16, 21-12 victory in the men’s singles SL3 semi-final. Meanwhile, Suhas Yathiraj, who won a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, reached the men’s SL4 final once again by defeating Suhas Khadam 21-17, 21-12. Thulsimathi Murugesan also made it to the women’s singles SU5 final by overcoming Manisha Ramdas with a 23-21, 21-17 win. These victories ensure that India will add at least three more medals to its tally in badminton.
Rakesh Kumar Narrowly Misses Archery Medal
In a heart-wrenching finish, para-archer Rakesh Kumar narrowly missed out on a bronze medal in the men’s individual compound open event. Rakesh, known for his precision and consistency, had advanced to the semi-finals by winning consecutive shootouts despite challenging weather conditions. However, in the bronze medal match, he fell short by just a single point, continuing the unfortunate trend of near-misses that has plagued Indian athletes in recent competitions.
Ravi Rongali’s Personal Best Not Enough for Shot Put Medal
Ravi Rongali put up a valiant effort in the men’s shot put event, where he bettered his personal best three times during the competition. His best throw of 10.63 meters, though impressive, was not enough to secure a medal. Iraq’s Garrah Tnaiash clinched the bronze with a throw of 11.03 meters, leaving Ravi just outside the podium positions.
Read about – Paris Paralympics 2024- Match Schedule, Indian Athletes
Official Paris Paralympics Website
As of Day 4, India has won a total of seven medals at the Paris Paralympics 2024.
The gold medal in the men’s high jump was won by USA’s Roderick Townsend-Roberts.
Preeti Pal won two bronze medals in the women’s 100m T35 and 200m T35 events.
India has confirmed at least three medals in badminton, with Nitesh Kumar, Suhas Yathiraj, and Thulsimathi Murugesan all reaching the finals in their respective events.
Nishad Kumar was disappointed because he had hoped to win the gold medal, having finished second to Roderick Townsend-Roberts in several recent events.
