India's Para-Athletes Poised for Success at Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics

Confidence in Preparations for the 2028 Games

Devendra Jhajharia, the president of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), has expressed strong optimism regarding India's readiness for the upcoming Los Angeles Paralympics. He believes that the nation's para-athletes are set to achieve even greater success at the 2028 Games.

During a recent felicitation event in New Delhi, Jhajharia highlighted that preparations for the Los Angeles Games are already underway, and he is confident that the athletes will secure a significant number of medals. He stated, "Our players are prepared to deliver an exceptional performance. I envision India emerging as a prominent sporting nation in the near future. The Paralympics represent a major event, and our athletes are ready to compete. Just wait and see, India will bring home numerous medals."

Celebrating Achievements of Para-Athletes

Jhajharia's remarks coincided with a ceremony organized by SBI Life Insurance in collaboration with the PCI, where India's para-athletes were honored for their impressive achievements at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, where they secured seven medals: three gold, two silver, and two bronze. He emphasized that such recognition is not only for the medalists but also for the pride they bring to the nation. "This is a transforming India. Today, we celebrate not just the athletes but the entire country they represent. SBI Life Insurance deserves commendation for honoring these players, as it reflects respect for the nation as well," he remarked.

The Importance of Corporate Support

Jhajharia also underscored the critical role of corporate support in enhancing para-sports in India. He noted the remarkable shift from previously winning only a handful of medals at the Paralympics to achieving 29 medals at the Paris 2024 Games, where India ranked 18th in the medal standings. "Corporate involvement is essential for improving performance. There was a time when we struggled to win even a single medal. Now, we have achieved 29 medals at the Paris Paralympics, surpassing several developed nations," he stated.

Honoring Glasgow 2026 Medalists

The felicitation event recognized several standout athletes: Sharmila Dhankar, Dilip Mahadu Gavit, and Soman Rana for their gold medals; Mohammed Basil Morssinganakath and Shubham Juyal for silver; and Shilpa Shyla and Jhandu Kumar for bronze.

Looking Ahead to Future Competitions

India's para-athletes excelled at the Glasgow Games, contributing significantly to the country's overall medal tally of 39, which included 13 gold, 17 silver, and nine bronze medals, placing India fourth in the medal standings. This success highlights the increasing importance of institutional and corporate support in the para-sports sector as the nation prepares for the upcoming Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya and the Los Angeles Paralympics.