India’s Kapil Parmar secured a historic bronze medal in the men’s 60kg (J1) para judo event at the Paris Paralympics 2024. The 25-year-old judoka showcased remarkable grit and determination, earning India its first-ever para judo medal at the Games.
Parmar’s journey to the podium was far from easy. In a fiercely contested semi-final, he faced Japan’s Hiroshi Watanabe, a Paralympic veteran and reigning world champion. Despite a valiant effort, Parmar narrowly missed out on a place in the final, losing to Watanabe in a close contest. However, Parmar remained undeterred as he regrouped and delivered a stunning performance in the bronze medal match against Brazil’s Paulo Silva.
Kapil Parmar Wins Bronze in Para Judo Men’s 60kg (J1) Event
In the bronze medal bout, Parmar executed swift and powerful techniques, overpowering Silva in a hard-fought encounter. His agility and composure under pressure proved key in securing the victory. The win not only brought joy to Indian sports fans but also marked a significant milestone for para judo in the country.
After his victory, Parmar expressed his gratitude to his coaches and support team, dedicating his win to his family and all those who supported him. “This medal means everything to me. It’s a result of years of hard work, and I hope this inspires more people in India to take up para judo,” he said.
Kapil Parmar’s bronze medal continues India’s strong showing at the Paris Paralympics, where athletes have been achieving success across multiple disciplines. His achievement is expected to raise awareness and encourage more participation in para sports, highlighting India’s growing commitment to supporting its para-athletes on the global stage.
