The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games concluded on 8th September 2024 with massive celebrations at the Stade de France.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the President of International Paralympic Commitee (IPC), Andrew Parsons, said, “We all have a collective responsibility to use the momentum of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games to make the world around us more inclusive.”
“Diversity and difference should not divide us. Diversity and difference should unite us, drive change and make this planet better for everyone”, he stated, calling for empowerment of persons with disabilities to excel in every field in the society.
As the flames fade, the spirit of the Games will forever shine in Paris ✨#Paralympics | #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/CkA926rj1t
— Paralympic Games (@Paralympics) September 8, 2024
The 10-day Games featured 549 medal events across 22 sports with China coming on top with total 220 medals including 94 Gold. Great Britain followed with total 124 medals which included 49 Gold. China was also represented by the biggest contingent comprising of 284 para-athletes.
170 nations participated in this edition of the Paralympic including the Refugee Paralympic Team (RPT) and the Neutral Paralympic Athletes (NPA) which comprises of para-athletes from Russia and Belarus. While the RPT won two Bronze medals, the NPA won a total of 71 medals with 26 Gold. However, the NPA is not listed in the medal tally.
Meanwhile, India has finished in the 18th place, winning its greatest number of medals. This is also the first time that India has finished in the top 20 at the Games.
“India is overjoyed that our incredible para-athletes have brought home 29 medals, which is the best ever performance since India’s debut at the Games. This achievement is due to the unwavering dedication and indomitable spirit of our athletes. Their sporting performances have given us many moments to remember and inspired several upcoming athletes”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated in a post on X platform.
During the closing ceremony, the Paralympic Flag was handed over to Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles, USA which will host the Olympics and the Paralympics in 2028.
