Paris 2024 Paralympics: List of India's flag bearers over the years

The Paris 2024 Paralympics have commenced, with the competition set to be held from August 29 to September 8. A grand opening ceremony on Wednesday, August 28, declared the prestigious Games open.

Para-athletes from around the world walked out proudly, holding their respective national flags during the Parade of Nations. In a special honor, star para-athletes Sumit Antil and Bhagyashree Yadav were India's flag bearers during the Paris 2024 Paralympics opening ceremony.

It is always a special moment for any athlete to be at the forefront of such a prestigious ceremony. Walking out with the Indian flag at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Sumit and Bhagyashree now have a special spot in India's Paralympics history.

India made its first appearance at the Parade of Nations at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing and were represented by a two-member contingent. Here is a list of all Indian flag bearers at the Paralympics so far.

List of India's flag bearers at the Paralympics over the years

Paralympics Edition	Flag Bearer	Event Competed In
2024 Paris	Sumit Antil and Bhagyashree Yadav	Sumit Antil- Men's Javelin Throw F64 Bhagyashree Yadav- Women's Shot Put F34
2020 Tokyo	Tek Chand	Javelin Throw
2016 Rio	Devendra Jhajaria	Men’s Javelin Throw- F46
2012 London	Jagseer Singh	Men’s Long Jump F-46
2008 Beijing	Rajinder Singh Rahelu	Men's Powerlifting 56kg

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India to compete with its largest-ever contingent at Paris 2024 Paralympics

India is making its appearance at the Paris 2024 Paralympics with a very strong contingent. The proud nation has sent its largest-ever Paralympics contingent for the upcoming Games in Paris.

A total of 84 Indian para-athletes will be competing for glory at the quadrennial event. At the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, India had sent a 54-member contingent. To progress this much in four years is a great indicator of the health of para-sports in India.

Adding to the accomplishment, India has also sent participants to compete in three new categories. Para-cycling, para-rowing and para-judo make up the three sports, expanding India's participation to 12 sports. India had won 19 medals at the Games in Tokyo and will be hoping to return from Paris with a much higher tally.