14 LPU students set to make a mark in Paris Paralympic 2024; largest-ever participation

NEW DELHI: The Lovely Professional University (LPU) announced today that 14 students have secured their spots at the Paris Paralympics team 2024 this year, forming 16% of the Indian contingent heading to Paris for the event. This is India’s largest-ever representation at the Paris Paralympics, the official statement read.

The Paris Paralympics 2024, the 17th Olympiad, is scheduled to run from August 28 to September 8 covering 549 events showcasing 22 sports and including 4,400 athletes from across the globe.

Ashok Kumar Mittal, member of parliament (MP) and founder chancellor of LPU said: “We are incredibly proud that after having 24 students in the Olympics, our 14 students are now representing our country at the Paralympics. We at LPU are hopeful for their success and are confident that their achievements will bring honor not only to our university but also to the nation. Para Athletes encounter myriad challenges in their arduous journey, despite facing obstacles; these resilient athletes remain focused on their goals. This inspires and motivates LPU to extend support to disabled players so they can make the country proud.”

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About Paris Paralympics participants

The LPU students will be showcasing their skills in various sports disciplines such as javelin throw, canoeing and kayaking, high jump, discus throw, and shot put.

An MBA student from LPU, Sumit Antil, a two-time world champion and Tokyo 2020 gold medalist in javelin throw will be India’s flag bearer for the opening ceremony of the Paralympics.

Other LPU athletes participating at Paralympics are – “Sandeep (MBA), Rinku (MA), Sunder Singh (BA), Sandip Sanjay (MCA) in javelin throw, Rohit (MBA), Arvind (MA) in shot put, Ram Pal (MBA), Shailesh Kumar, Nishad Kumar (MA) in high jump, Yogesh Kathuniya (MA) in discus throw, Prachi Yadav, Yash (BA), and Pooja Ojha (MA) in canoeing and kayaking,” the university said.

As per the official statement, LPU has made significant investments in developing top-notch sports facilities and offering 100% scholarships to promising disabled athletes.

The LPU has also provided its athlete students with specialized rehabilitation and physiotherapy services to treat spinal cord injuries and also help in recovery and performance enhancement, it added.