The Paris Paralympics 2025 was a celebration of resilience and determination, where Indian athletes showcased their indomitable spirit and brought home numerous medals. Each athlete overcame personal challenges, proving that their disabilities were no barriers to achieving greatness. Here's a tribute to our medalists who have inspired a nation.

Avani Lekhara - Golden Shot in Shooting (10m Air Rifle SH1)

Avani Lekhara, paralysed waist-down due to a car accident at the age of 11, posed with her coach, Suma Shirur, after clinching the gold medal in the women's 10m air rifle (SH1) event. Her victory in Paris 2025 solidified her place as one of India's top Paralympians.

Mona Agarwal - Bronze in Shooting (10m Air Rifle SH1)

Mona Agarwal, competing in the women's 10m air rifle (SH1) event, won bronze in Paris 2025. Mona, who has lower limb impairment but excels at shooting from a standing position, showcased her precision and mental fortitude to secure a podium finish.

Preethi Pal - Bronze in Athletics Women's 200m T35 and 100m T35

Preethi Pal celebrates her bronze medal win in the 100m T35 event and 200m T35 event. Born with cerebral palsy and misshapen legs, Preethi overcame tremendous physical challenges through years of treatment and training, transforming herself into a track phenomenon.

Manish Narwal - Silver in Shooting (10m Air Pistol SH1)

Manish Narwal, born with a deformity in his right hand, earned silver in the men's 10m air pistol SH1 event. Despite childhood difficulties, Manish's dedication to his sport has led him to be a consistent medalist on the world stage.

Rubina Francis - Bronze in Shooting (10m Air Pistol SH1)

Rubina Francis, who was born with talipes (clubfoot), won bronze in the P-2 Women’s 10m Air Pistol SH1 event. Her ability to maintain balance while shooting is a testament to her resilience, overcoming the physical challenges posed by her condition.

Nishad Kumar - Silver in High Jump (T47)

Nishad Kumar claimed silver in the men's high jump T47 event. Inspired by his mother, a state-level athlete, Nishad did not let the loss of his right hand in a childhood accident deter him from achieving greatness in sports.

Yogesh Kathuniya - Silver in Discus Throw (F56)

Yogesh Kathuniya's silver medal in the F56 discus throw event is a story of determination. Diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome at the age of 9, Yogesh's journey to the Paralympic podium was made possible by his mother’s unwavering support during his recovery.

Nitesh Kumar - Gold in Badminton (Men's Singles SL3)

Kumar Nitesh, who lost his left leg in a train accident in 2009, won gold in the men's singles SL3 badminton event. His triumph is a symbol of perseverance and his love for the sport that kept him going through life's challenges.

Thulasimathi Murugesan - Silver in Badminton (Women's Singles)

Thulasimathi Murugesan secured a silver medal in badminton, despite being born with a deformity in her left hand, which only allowed limited movement. Her relentless passion for the game saw her soar above her physical limitations.

Manisha Ramadass - Bronze in Badminton (Women's Singles)

Manisha Ramadass, whose right arm was damaged during birth due to a clinical mistake, won a bronze medal in badminton. Her story is one of perseverance, as she battled through pain and adversity to reach the Paralympic podium.

Suhas Yathiraj - Silver in Badminton (Men's Singles SL4)

Suhas Yathiraj won silver in the men's singles SL4 badminton event. Born with a congenital deformity in his left ankle, Suhas has balanced a successful career as an IAS officer with his passion for badminton, making him an inspiration to many.

Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar - Bronze in Mixed Team Compound Archery

Sheetal Devi, born without arms due to phocomelia, teamed up with Rakesh Kumar, who was left wheelchair-bound after a spinal cord injury, to win bronze in mixed team compound archery. Their partnership exemplified the strength of the human spirit.

Sumit Antil - Gold in Javelin Throw (F64)

Sumit Antil secured gold in the F64 javelin throw event with a throw of 70.59m. After losing his left leg in a tragic accident, Sumit turned his life around and became a dominant force in javelin on the world stage.

Nithya Sre Sivan - Bronze in Badminton (Women's Singles)

Nithya Sre Sivan, standing at just 3 feet tall, won bronze in badminton. She faced ridicule for her height but turned that into motivation, rising to become a Paralympic medalist and proving her critics wrong.

Deepthi Jeevanji - Bronze in Women's 400m T20

Deepthi Jeevanji, born with an intellectual disability, achieved the remarkable feat of winning bronze at the Paralympics. Her story of overcoming cognitive challenges to excel in badminton is one of sheer determination and courage.

Sharad Kumar - Silver in High Jump (T63)

Sharad Kumar won silver in the men's high jump T63 event. A victim of spurious polio medication during his childhood, Sharad has risen to become a celebrated Paralympian, defying the odds to excel in athletics.

Mariyappan Thangavelu - Bronze in High Jump (T63)

Mariyappan Thangavelu, who lost his right leg below the knee in a bus accident at the age of five, won bronze in the high jump T63 event. His journey from tragedy to triumph continues to inspire millions across India.

Sundar Singh Gurjar - Bronze in Javelin Throw (F46)

Sundar Singh Gurjar, who lost his left hand in an accident, won bronze in the F46 javelin throw event. Once contemplating ending his life, Sundar found hope in para sports and used it to redefine his future.

Sachin Khilari - Bronze in Shotput (F46)

Sachin Khilari, who suffered a disability in his left hand due to a tragic bicycle accident, earned bronze in shot put at the Paralympics. Despite multiple surgeries, Sachin's determination saw him stand tall on the podium.

Harvinder Singh - Gold in Archery (Men's Individual Recurve Open)

Harvinder Singh, whose left leg was impaired due to wrong medication in his childhood, became India's first gold medalist in archery at the Paralympics. His academic achievements as a PhD holder complement his prowess in sports.

Dharambir - Gold in Club Throw (F51)

Dharambir, paralysed waist-down after misjudging a dive into a canal in his village, made history by winning India’s first-ever gold in the men's club throw F51 event. His perseverance turned personal tragedy into a landmark achievement for India.

Pranav Soorma - Silver in Club Throw (F51)

Pranav Soorma, who was paralysed due to a spinal cord injury caused by a falling cement sheet at the age of 16, won silver in the men's club throw F51 event. His dedication to sports has been a source of inspiration.

Kapil Parmar - Bronze in Judo (60kg J1)

Kapil Parmar, who lost his vision after accidentally touching a live wire as a child, won bronze in the 60kg J1 judo event. His relentless pursuit of excellence in the sport, despite his blindness, led him to the Paralympic podium.

Praveen Kumar - Gold in High Jump (T64)

Praveen Kumar, born with a short leg, chose the high jump over volleyball and went on to win gold in the T64 category. His journey from competing against able-bodied athletes to becoming a Paralympic champion is truly inspiring.

Hokato Hotozhe Sema - Bronze in Shotput (F57)

Hokato Hotozhe Sema, an Armyman who lost his left leg below the knee due to a mine blast during a counter-infiltration operation, won bronze in the F57 shot put event. His military discipline and determination have carried him far in sports.

Simran Sharma - Bronze in Athletics (200m T12)

Simran Sharma, born with vision impairment, overcame bullying and self-doubt to win bronze in the women's 200m T12 event. Despite her limited vision, Simran's dedication to athletics earned her a well-deserved spot on the Paralympic podium.

Navdeep Singh - Gold in Javelin Throw (F41)

Navdeep Singh, born with a short stature, won gold in the men's javelin throw F41 event. Standing at just 4 feet 6 inches tall, Navdeep has shown that one's height does not determine the heights they can achieve in life.