A billion hopes had arisen on the eve of the Rio Olympics 2016, with the amateur sports addict expecting a continuation from the medal haul at the London Olympics in 2012. However, those hopes remained half-unfulfilled as India’s largest contingent returned with two medals. A host of amazing performances throughout the summer games brought it to life for the Indian fans. The “Twitteratis” showered their love and praise for the athletes and kept the country buzzing. Television and Print alike focussed on the Olympics with in-depth-coverage and repeat telecasts throughout the day, every day.

But, come two more weeks, all the frenzy-filled coverage seemed lost in space and time. And the country settled back to their usual chores.

However, the games aren’t just over yet. The Olympics might have ended but the Paralympics have only just begun. The Indian contingent of 19 athletes secured two medals on the second day of the competition, equalizing their Olympic tally. The largest ever contingent from India made way to win medals and hearts in the games.  

Why the indifference towards the Paralympics athletes?

Mariyappan Thangavelu, Deepa Malik and Varun Singh Bhati have all secured medals early in the competition for the country. Thangavelu and Bhati secured their medals in the men’s high jump F42 event with a gold and bronze respectively, while Malik won the silver in the women’s shot put F53 event.

India needed just one more medal to make Rio Paralympics their most successful one ever, and, Devendra Jhajharia ensured it in style. Jhajharia secured the gold medal in Javelin throw F46 event by breaking his own world record. Now, the record stands at 63.97m. He also becomes the only Indian athlete to win medals in separate Paralympic Games.

In spite of these achievements, the mentions for these athletes remained limited to just a few of the news breakers who reported every single event from the Olympics. And, the Indian television screens that broadcast every second of the Olympics continue to remain null in terms of broadcasting the Paralympics.

The value of the medals are the same, the morals attached to the win are probably even higher. But the attention given to them is not even close to what they actually deserve.

Most Olympians and Sportspersons in general cannot achieve what the Paralympics athletes do. That is overcoming every bit of difficulty and disability, physically and psychologically throughout their lives.

As the games continue till the weekend, the Indian team might still have some more business to do in the Paralympics adding to their medal tally. With a medal of each colour in the pocket, this is India’s most successful campaign in the games.

Click here for India’s overall performance at Paralympics.