India experienced a breakthrough at the 2016 Summer Paralympics, finishing with four medals. The success was driven by Mariyappan Thangavelu (high jump) and Devendra Jhajharia (javelin), along with Varun Singh Bhati, who earned a bronze in the high jump. Additionally, Deepa Malik made history as the first Indian female to medal at the Paralympics with her silver in the shot put.
In the year 2016 summer Paralympics touched a peak for India as it won four medals, Mariyappan Thangavelu (high jump) and Devendra Jhajharia (javelin), Varun Singh Bhati won a bronze medal (high jump). Deepa Malik became India’s first female Paralympics medallist for her Silver medal in (shot put).
These games serve as a powerful testament to self-belief and determination, bringing immense pride to the para-athlete community and the nation. A standout figure is Mariyappan Thangavelu; his gold-medal performance in the T-42 high jump at the Rio 2016 Games was a pivotal moment, marking India's first gold since 2004. Following in those footsteps, Nishad Kumar recently secured a bronze in the Men's high jump T47 final in Dubai. By reaching the two-meter mark, Nishad achieved a career milestone and earned a crucial quota spot for India at the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
Nishad performed strongly throughout the competition, successfully clearing heights starting from 1.75m up to 1.97m. However, he was bested by the American world record holder and former Rio champion, Roderick Townsend Robert, who took the gold with a jump of 2.03m. Despite the silver and gold going elsewhere, Nishad was thrilled to stand on the podium, admitting he hadn't fully expected to medal while competing against the world's elite. With his sights now set on Tokyo 2020, Nishad reflected on his mindset, stating that since he felt he had nothing to lose, he simply gave his absolute best. His belief in hard work serves as an inspiration to anyone striving to achieve their dreams.
Satyanarayana, the esteemed Indian coach who guided Mariyappan Thangavelu to gold in Rio, sees great promise in Nishad, praising his willpower and raw potential. According to the coach, Nishad's youth and flexibility make him a formidable contender for the Tokyo 2020 Games, suggesting that with continued discipline, a gold medal is well within his reach. Looking ahead to this coming Thursday, excitement is building as six Indian athletes, including the fan-favorite Mariyappan, will compete in the Men's 400m and the T63 high jump. The entire country is rooting for them, hopeful that this tradition of success will continue.