Elevating the Spotlight: The Urgent Need for Recognition of India's Paralympians

The Paralympics represent not only a sporting event but also a significant social equity issue in India. It deserves more recognition in India as a significant sports and social equity issue. Despite the remarkable achievements and inspiring journeys of para athletes, they often remain overshadowed by their Olympic counterparts, receiving insufficient recognition, financial support and public appreciation. Record Breaking Achievements

At the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, India achieved a historic milestone by winning 29 medals - 7 gold, 9 silver and 13 bronze, surpassing its previous record of 19 medals from the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. This impressive performance highlights the immense talent and determination of India para athletes, yet their accomplishments often go unnoticed compared to the attention given to Olympic athletes. In fact, India’s highest medal tally at the Olympics stands at just 7, illustrating a stark contrast in recognition and support between these two groups.

Disparities in Support and Funding The disparity in government funding is glaring. The clear difference between the highest number of medals scored by India in the Olympics and Paralympics is enormous, approximately four times. Yet the recognition given to the Para-athletes is less than 25% of what Olympic athletes receive. The budget for Olympic athletes in India generally receives a more significant allocation from the government through initiatives such as the Khelo India Scheme and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). While Paralympic athletes also receive support through TOPS and other initiatives, the total budget allocated to these athletes is comparatively much more minor. For instance, in recent years, the funding for Paralympic training, facilities and resources has only reached about 15-20% of what has been historically allocated to Olympic athletes. Para-athletes undoubtedly deserve enhanced allocation of facilities, equipment, and care; which would require an increase in their budget allocation. Research indicates that specialised Paralympic sports equipment is costly and not as commonly available. Paralympians may not always receive the same high-quality infrastructure and coaching support as Olympians. At the same time, the government constantly funds the Olympians for top-notch facilities. Furthermore, the societal recognition of para athletes is reflected in the reward structures and job opportunities available to them. Despite their incredible performances, many para athletes still face challenges in securing endorsements and sponsorships compared to olympic athletes. For instance, while some brands are beginning to partner with the Paralympic Committee of India, individual sponsorship deals remain scarce. Despite all these, they continue to participate passionately– maintaining resilience and collecting wins for their nation unconditionally. It is imperative that their efforts and victories are appreciated and felicitated throughout the country and world, as the victories of their Olympic counterparts are. Challenging Misconceptions A lot of people believe the Paralympics is less competitive compared to the Olympics; considering the percentage of people with disabilities is less. But that doesn’t make it easy. The lesser competition is to balance off the unfairness they already face everyday. This misconception can be explained by the following analogy: If out of 100 people, 10 have disabilities, the winning ratio is comparatively higher in the Paralympics than competing among 90 in the Olympics. But is doing archery without hands easy? Or running without being able to see the track in front of oneself easily? Most people prefer competing in a larger group to competing without the requirements. Why don’t we recognise and appreciate the efforts and courage of para-athletes? Shouldn’t we support and encourage them as we do with our favourite Olympic athletes during their semi-finals or final matches? It’s puzzling why para-athletes are not celebrated in the same way as other athletes. The Need for Greater Recognition We are all familiar with Neeraj Chopra, Lakshya Sen and Manu Bhaker, but what about Avani Lekhara, Sumit Antil, and Harvinder Singh? Its now essential to shift our focus to these para athletes whose achievements deserve as much acknowledgement as those of the well known Olympic stars. The question arises: why do we not extend equal recognition to these athletes? Shouldn't their struggles and triumphs be celebrated as fervently as those of their Olympic peers? A Call for Inclusivity The lack of visibility for para-athletes raises questions about societal biases and awareness. Many people engage enthusiastically with mainstream sports events like the IPL or World Cups but often overlook the Paralympics despite their athletes' incredible achievements. This calls for introspection on how we value inclusivity in sports and society at large. To foster a more inclusive environment, it is vital to enhance media coverage and corporate sponsorships for para-sports. Countries like Japan have made significant strides in promoting inclusivity through sports, demonstrating that investment in accessible infrastructure can lead to greater societal change. Conclusion As we celebrate the successes of our Paralympians, it is crucial to recognize their contributions not just as athletes but as ambassadors of change. Their stories inspire us to challenge stereotypes surrounding disability and promote a culture of respect and acknowledgment. The time has come for Indian society to embrace its para-athletes wholeheartedly, ensuring they receive the recognition they rightfully deserve. Sources ● https://olympics.com/en/news/paris-2024-paralympics-medal-india-tally-winners-table ● https://sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in/sai/target-olympic-podium ● https://www.vogue.in/content/why-are-indians-at-the-paralympics-2024-underfundeddespite-outperforming-olympians ● https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Target_Olympic_Podium_Scheme ● https://www.paralympic.org/feature/india-smitten-paralympic-success-shower-athletes-jobs-cash-rewards ● https://pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=152117&ModuleId=3®=3&lang=1 ● https://olympics.com/en/news/india-olympics-medals ● https://www.sportingnews.com/in/other-sports/news/india-medals-olympics-full-listmedal-winners-standings-paris-2024/5a0d25a5d8ab4597fdb0e9d9 ● https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/paralympics/story/india-historic-campaign-record-29-medals-paris-full-list-2595957-2024-09-08