Krishna Nagar had just won India’s fifth gold medal at the Paralympics in Tokyo, taking the total tally to 19. The record was impressive by itself—54 athletes winning 19 medals, including 5 golds. It was even more impressive when one considers that India’s total medal tally between 1968, when it first participated in the Paralympics, and 2016, when it won four medals, was 12. Deepa Malik, president of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), was elated, though the victory also brought with it a pleasant dilemma. “The PCI isn’t a very rich organisation,” she says, “but we are committed to honouring our athletes. We had ordered gold bracelets for each of our medal winners as tokens of gratitude and affection. We had ordered 15 and now I have the happy problem of increasing the number!” For the first time in India’s sporting history, the result at a Games at this level had exceeded expectations. However, this isn’t a flash in the pan—it could be said the result proves that a process that began in 2004 is gaining momentum.
This story is from the September 20, 2021 edition of India Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 20, 2021 edition of India Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
BJP's Big Paschim Test
On paper, the BJP-RLD tie-up is a winner for the NDA in west UP, though the INDIA bloc thinks otherwise. The BSP's entry with mixed candidates can unsettle both alliances
Why Gen V Matters
The Way The 210 Million-Strong Generation Viksit Bharat Casts Its Vote Will Determine The Outcome Of This Election As It Has In The Past
Heart Stopper
Cushions with tales of beauty, serenity, art and nature
THE NIPPON NARRATIVE
Say konnichiwa to good design and sayōnara to bad aesthetics, as this apartment in Bangalore is a lesson in how to use Japanese design effectively
RURAL RESPLENDENCE
This second home in a small village in Uttar Pradesh brings to life the beauty and simplicity of locally sourced materials
Curves in the Right Places
Arches may be taking over interior design, but how and where you place them in your home can make or mar the look of the room
Marvels in Mud
Here's how this humble material is changing the way we look at eco-friendly homes in India
DESIGN FOR THE AGES
Five homes, five distinct design styles that help decode how to curate age-appropriate spaces
TAKE FIVE
FROM RUGS TO CUSHIONS, THESE DECOR PIECES WILL GIVE YOUR INTERIORS AN INSTANT MAKEOVER THIS SEASON
TRENDY TABLESCAPES
At the turn of the season, three fashion labels throw a soiree that is stylish, suave and sophisticated