WINNING TOGETHER

Dr Deepa Malik, former president of the Paralympic Committee of India and a silver medall at the Paralympic Games underscores the pivotal role of collective efforts, meticulous plannin talent discovery, and international exposure in India's remarkable performance at the Pa Paralympics.

- Milind Dhamdhere

For years, para-athletes and their families have often faced social stigma and discrimination. Despite these challenges, Indian para-athletes have been making waves on the international stage, significantly enhancing the country's reputation in sports. The impressive medal counts at the last two Paralympics-19 medals in 2021 and 29 in 2024-highlight the success of these athletes and the effectiveness of the strategies implemented by the Paralympic Committee.

Reflecting on this success, Dr Malik notes, "At the 2016 Paralympics, I was the only Indian athlete to win a medal. When I assumed the presidency of the Paralympic Committee of India in 2020, we launched several initiatives aimed at discovering and developing talent, as well as addressing various needs of para-athletes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, both our association and the Sports Authority of India organised numerous webinars focusing on advanced techniques and sports skills." The approach involved starting talent searches at the state level, nurturing potential athletes, and subsequently selecting those for national competitions. A critical aspect of this process was ensuring accurate classification of athletes based on their disabilities. Rigorous medical assessments were conducted to avoid disqualification due to improper classification.

Moreover, athletes were given opportunities to compete in international events to gain exposure and experience. Their performance in the Asian Para Games and Commonwealth Para Games, along with other international competitions, was meticulously evaluated to identify and select suitable candidates for the Paralympic Games. Regular anti-doping tests and international rankings were also considered to ensure that only the most deserving athletes were chosen.