Indian paralympic champions return to hero's welcome

India's Paralympic medal-winners receive a grand welcome after securing an unprecedented haul of 29 medals in Paris.

Swarmed by hundreds of supporters, garlanded and fed sweets, India's Paralympic medal-winners returned to a jubilant welcome on Tuesday (September 10, 2024) after securing an unprecedented haul of 29 medals at the just-concluded Games in Paris.

The athletes made their way out of the Indira Gandhi International Airport this morning, as the customary dhol and euphoric chants were hailing them. Supporters, sports administrators, and athletes’ families lined up to show their appreciation for the contingents.

"Thank you so much for this grand welcome," javelin thrower Sumit Antil told PTI.

He clinched a second successive gold in the F64 category by breaking his own Games record with a throw of 70.59 m.

The reigning world champion became the second Indian after shooter Avani Lekhara to defend the Paralympics title.

Avani had won gold in the women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 event in Paris after winning gold in the same event in the Tokyo Games. She returned to the country last week after completing her events.

Antil lost his left leg below the knee after he was involved in a motorbike accident in 2015. He was a wrestler before his accident which led to the amputation of his leg below the knee.