Paris, September 5: Arhan Bagati, Founder of Kashmir’s Yumberzal Applied Research Institute (KYARI) and Awareness and Impact Ambassador of the Paralympic Committee of India, is currently cheering for Team India at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
“Thrilled to be here at Paris 2024, standing alongside our incredible Indian Paralympic athletes as they make history! As the Awareness and Impact Ambassador, I’m proud to support and cheer on our team, knowing that their hard work, dedication, and resilience will shine on the global stage. Let’s show the world what India is made of!” Bagati tweeted.
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, running from 28 August to 8 September, feature 4,400 athletes from around the world, competing in 22 sports at iconic venues in Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, the Château de Versailles, and the Grand Palais.
Bagati, currently pursuing Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University, said India’s performance this year has been remarkable.
“India has secured 24 medals so far at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, including five golds, nine silvers, and 10 bronze. The performance has been incredible. India is competing across 12 disciplines, three more than in Tokyo 2020, with para cycling, para rowing, and blind judo making their debut,” he said.
“I will continue to support and promote para-sports, ensuring that our athletes receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve. The future of Indian para-sports is bright, and I’m excited to be part of this incredible journey,” he added.
A record 84 para athletes are representing India at Paris 2024. Among them, Avani Lekhara became the first Indian woman to win two Paralympic golds, defending her title in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event with a world record score. Mona Agarwal’s bronze in the same event marked India’s first-ever double podium finish at the Paralympics.
In athletics, Dharambir and Parnav Soorma achieved a one-two finish in the men’s club throw F51 event, with Dharambir setting a new Asian record. Armless archer Sheetal Devi, just 17 years old, made history as India’s youngest Paralympic medallist, securing bronze in the mixed team event. Notably, Harvinder Singh became India’s first-ever Paralympic champion in archery.
Pertinently, Bagati is well known for his commitment to para-sports. His impressive achievements include being the world’s youngest and India’s first Deputy Chef de Mission for the Indian Paralympic Contingent at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
