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Jhajharia Targets Higher Medal Haul at Asian Para Games
India’s para athletes are preparing for an important competition in Japan.
Devendra Jhajharia believes they can win even more medals than before.
India won 111 medals at the 2023 Asian Para Games.
He said athletes perform better when they feel calm and supported.
Recent results at the Commonwealth Games and the Paris Paralympics have increased confidence.
The Paralympic Committee of India is holding more events to help classify athletes in the country.
It is also giving equipment and support to some young athletes.
Jhajharia said schools still need better facilities so more children can start para sports.
Devendra Jhajharia expects India’s para athletes to improve on their record Asian Para Games performance.
India won 111 medals, including 29 gold, at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Para Games.
Jhajharia said training for the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Games in Japan is progressing smoothly.
He credited a stress-free environment and improved physical and mental preparation for recent successes.
The Paralympic Committee of India is expanding classification events and junior support, but grassroots facilities remain a concern.
- Who
- Devendra Jhajharia, president of the Paralympic Committee of India, and India’s para athletes.
- What
- India is preparing for the upcoming Asian Para Games, with Jhajharia predicting a strong performance.
- Where
- The upcoming Asian Para Games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
- When
- The Games are scheduled for next month; preparation has also begun for the 2028 and 2032 Paralympics.
- Why
- Jhajharia cited smooth training, a stress-free environment, and improved support for athletes.
Progress and Achievement
Continuing Challenges
Athlete support
Progress and Achievement
Jhajharia said a stress-free environment has helped athletes gain confidence and perform well physically and mentally.
Continuing Challenges
He acknowledged that aspiring para athletes still do not receive enough support at the grassroots level.
Classification access
Progress and Achievement
Hosting international para events in India has increased domestic classification opportunities, including 120 classifications at one Grand Prix.
Continuing Challenges
Jhajharia said classification was previously a major concern, when Indian athletes received only three to five classification quotas at international Grand Prix events.
Facilities
Progress and Achievement
The committee is providing equipment and kits through a junior programme and has developed para-sport events in India.
Continuing Challenges
Jhajharia said schools need better infrastructure and that every school should have facilities for para athletes.
Key facts
- 2023 Asian Para Games result
- India won a record 111 medals, including 29 gold.
- Upcoming competition
- The Asian Para Games will take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
- Recent preparation
- Jhajharia said training is progressing smoothly.
- Athlete support
- The committee is seeking to provide athletes with a stress-free environment.
- Classification initiative
- Two editions of the Para Athletics Grand Prix have been conducted in India.
- Classification milestone
- One Grand Prix conducted 120 athlete classifications.
- Junior programme
- The programme supports children aged 15 to 16 with facilities, equipment, and kits at home.
Quotes
Devendra Jhajharia
President of the Paralympic Committee of India and two-time Paralympic gold-medallist javelin thrower
“For the upcoming Asian Para Games, the training is going on smoothly and I am confident they will give a superb performance at the Aichi-Nagoya Games, the same way they did at the 2024 Paris Paralympics and the historic Asian Para Games in Hangzhou in 2023”
theprint.in
“No doubt, there are good facilities for para athletes but a lot still needs to be done. The support should start at the grassroots… schools. We need to work on infrastructure in schools… every school will need to have facilities.”
theprint.in
Sources
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