Current Affairs - Sports

Indian para-athlete Sumit Antil secured his second consecutive Paralympic gold in javelin at the Paris Paralympics 2024 with a record-breaking throw of 70.59m in the F64 category. This historic achievement follows his earlier success in Tokyo, solidifying his status as a dominant force in para-athletics. Antil's performance is particularly noteworthy given his two-year absence from international competitions, making his return to the Paralympics a triumphant one.

Mayank Chakraborty, a 15-year-old International Master from Assam, achieved his second Grand Master (GM) norm at a tournament in Greece. He is on the path to becoming the first Grand Master from North East India, needing one more GM norm and a FIDE rating of 2500. His current rating stands at 2431, making him the highest-rated player from North East India with the most GM norms.

The Deaf Shooting Championship, where India won 4 medals, was held in Hanover, Germany. Indian shooters showcased their talent, with Anuya Prasad winning gold, Abhinav Deshwal securing silver in two events, and Shubham Vashist winning silver and bronze. This international competition highlighted the skills of deaf shooters from around the world, with Germany serving as a fitting host.

Thulasi Murugesan achieved a notable milestone by winning a silver medal in the women's singles SU5 event at the Paris Paralympics 2024. As the first female para shuttler from India to win a Paralympic medal, she demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience. Murugesan overcame significant challenges, including a congenital hand deformity and mobility issues from past accidents, showcasing her remarkable determination and talent. Her success in Paris is a testament to her perseverance and excellence in para-badminton.

Nitesh Kumar won a historic gold medal in badminton at the Paralympics, competing in the men’s singles SL3 category. By defeating Great Britain’s Daniel Bethell, Kumar not only showcased his exceptional skill and tactical prowess but also contributed to India's dominance in para-badminton. This achievement follows Pramod Bhagat's significant win in 2016, highlighting a continuing legacy of excellence in the sport. Kumar's victory is particularly remarkable given his inspirational journey from aspiring to join the defence forces to becoming a Paralympic champion.