September 10, 2024: The Paris Paralympic Games concluded today with a spectacular light show and electronic music from France. Jean-Michel Jarre kicked off the party at the Stade de France, energizing athletes, staff, and spectators with his music. The closing ceremony saw Harvinder and Preeti Pal as the flag bearers for India. On the final day of the Games, two world records were set.
Fatima Zahra Al Idrissi from Morocco set a new world record in the women’s visually impaired marathon, while Nigeria’s Folashade Oluwafemiayo broke her own world record in women’s para powerlifting. China dominated the Games, while India achieved a record 29 medals. India closed the Paris Paralympics with seven gold, nine silver, and 13 bronze medals, finishing 18th in the medal tally. In the previous Tokyo Paralympics, India was 24th with five gold, eight silver, and six bronze medals.
China left its mark on almost every event, winning 94 gold medals and finishing with a total of 220 medals. Great Britain was second with 49 gold medals and 124 total medals, while the United States was third with 105 medals. Brazil secured 89 medals, but the Netherlands won 27 gold medals compared to Brazil’s 25, placing them fourth. Host nation France won 19 gold and 75 total medals, finishing eighth in the medal standings. The next Paralympic Games are scheduled to take place in Los Angeles in 2028.
