Indian Paralympic athletes were greeted with a grand reception upon their return to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport after a historic showing at the Paris Paralympics. Half of the Indian contingent arrived home on Saturday morning, including star athletes Avani Lekhara, Mona Agarwal, Pranav Soorma, Rakesh Kumar, and Manish Narwal. Fans gathered in large numbers to shower the para-athletes with flower petals in celebration of their achievements.
Avani Lekhara expressed her excitement over the team’s success, saying, “It has been a great journey, and we’ve won many medals this time.” Lekhara made history by winning her second Paralympic gold in the women’s 10m air rifle event, making her the first Indian woman to secure two gold medals in the Games’ history.
Para-shooter Mona Agarwal, who claimed bronze in the same event, said she was overwhelmed by the support, adding, “I feel great to receive so much love. My Paralympic journey was amazing, especially as it was my first time.”
Meanwhile, para-archer Rakesh Kumar credited his coaches for his success. He and partner Sheetal Devi clinched bronze in the Mixed Team Compound event with a narrow victory over Italy. Kumar said, “I’m feeling great… The credit goes to my coaches. We’ll work even harder for the next Paralympics.”
India’s impressive medal tally at the ongoing Paralympics has reached 27, with six gold, nine silver, and 12 bronze medals—surpassing the previous record of five golds from Tokyo 2020. The Paris Paralympics, which began on August 28, will conclude on September 8.
