The Indian Paralympic Team: Overlooked and Underrated
India has a rich history of sports, with cricket being the most popular sport in the country. However, there are many other sports that have been overlooked and underrated, and one of them is Paralympic sport. Despite the potential of the Indian Paralympic team to win over 25 medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, they have received little to no media coverage. This lack of coverage is not only unfair to the athletes but also detrimental to the growth of Paralympic sport in India.
The Need for a Record Medal Haul
The Indian Paralympic team has been performing exceptionally well in recent years, with several athletes winning medals at international events. However, this success has not translated into media coverage. The author argues that a record medal haul is the only way to change the media narrative and mainstream Paralympic sport in India. The media tends to focus on the negative aspects of Paralympic sport, such as the disabilities of the athletes, rather than their achievements. This negative portrayal of Paralympic sport needs to change, and a record medal haul by the Indian Paralympic team could be the catalyst for this change.
The Reactive Approach of the Indian Sports Media
The author also expresses frustration with the reactive rather than proactive approach of the Indian sports media towards para athletes. The media tends to cover Paralympic sport only when there is a major event or when an athlete wins a medal. This reactive approach is not only unfair to the athletes but also detrimental to the growth of Paralympic sport in India. The media should take a proactive approach towards Paralympic sport and cover it regularly, just like they do with other sports.
The Importance of Media Coverage
Media coverage is crucial for the growth of any sport, and Paralympic sport is no exception. Media coverage not only provides recognition and exposure to the athletes but also inspires the younger generation to take up the sport. The lack of media coverage for Paralympic sport in India is a major hindrance to its growth. The Indian Paralympic team has the potential to win over 25 medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, but without media coverage, their achievements will go unnoticed.
The Way Forward
The Indian sports media needs to take a proactive approach towards Paralympic sport and cover it regularly. The media should focus on the achievements of the athletes rather than their disabilities. The Indian Paralympic team has the potential to win over 25 medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, and a record medal haul could be the catalyst for change. The media should recognize the achievements of the athletes and provide them with the recognition and exposure they deserve.
Conclusion
The Indian Paralympic team has been overlooked and underrated for far too long. Despite their potential to win over 25 medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, they have received little to no media coverage. The media needs to take a proactive approach towards Paralympic sport and cover it regularly. A record medal haul by the Indian Paralympic team could be the catalyst for change and could help mainstream Paralympic sport in India. It is time for the Indian sports media to recognize the achievements of the athletes and provide them with the recognition and exposure they deserve.