Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Kapil Parmar’s historic achievement in Judo at the Paris Paralympics, marking a proud moment for India as the nation celebrated its first-ever Paralympic medal in the sport. Parmar, a visually impaired para-athlete from Madhya Pradesh, secured a bronze medal in the men’s -60kg J1 category, making history and inspiring millions with his incredible journey.
In a heartfelt message shared on his official X account, Prime Minister Modi expressed his congratulations to Parmar, calling the win a “special medal” for India. He emphasized the significance of the moment, recognizing Parmar as the first Indian athlete to win a medal in Judo at the Paralympics and acknowledging the tremendous impact of this achievement on the country’s sporting legacy.
Kapil Parmar, a 24-year-old athlete from Shivor, Madhya Pradesh, secured the bronze by defeating Brazil’s Elielton de Oliveira in a swift and decisive bout. Parmar executed a brilliant Ippon to claim victory in just 33 seconds. This monumental win added to India’s overall medal tally at the Paris Paralympics, bringing the nation’s total to 25 medals, consisting of five gold, nine silver, and 11 bronze.
In his congratulatory message, PM Modi wrote, “A very memorable sporting performance and a special medal! We congratulate Kapil Parmar on becoming the first Indian to win a medal in Paralympic Judo. Congratulations to him for his Bronze in the #Paralympics2024 Men’s 60kg J1 Event! Best wishes for his endeavours ahead.”
Parmar’s road to the Paralympics has been marked by both triumph and adversity. Known for his skill in Judo, he had already gained recognition by winning a silver medal in the same category at the 2022 Asian Games. However, his personal journey is one of resilience. As a child, Parmar suffered a severe injury when he accidentally touched a water pump while playing in the fields, which resulted in a near-fatal electric shock. The accident left him in a coma for six months, changing the course of his life.
Despite these challenges, Parmar’s determination and hard work propelled him to the world stage, where his performance in Paris stood out as a significant highlight of India’s 2024 Paralympic campaign. His victory not only added to India’s success but also served as an inspiring story of perseverance and the power of the human spirit.
