New Delhi: Indian judoka Kapil Parmar scripted history by winning a bronze medal in men’s judo -60Kg J1 category at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. He secured the bronze medal by defeating Brazil’s Elielton de Oliveira in just 33 seconds with a brilliant Ippon. Kapil’s historic medal took India’s medal tally to 25, comprising 5 gold, 9 silver, and 11 bronze.
In the semifinals, Parmar lost 0-10 to Iran’s S. Banitaba Khorram Abadi in the J1 class. This category is designated for athletes with no to very low visual acuity. Athletes in this category wear red circles to signal their need for guided assistance before, during, and after the contest.
Kapil Parmar’s inspiring journey
Kapil hails from a small village named Shivor in Madhya Pradesh and is the youngest of five siblings. His middle brother practices judo and often trains with him. His father works as a taxi driver and his sister runs a primary school.
During his childhood, Kapil suffered a life-threatening accident when he was playing in the field and accidentally touched a water pump. He suffered a severe electric shock and was found unconscious by a villager. He was rushed to the hospital where he remained in a coma for six months.
Despite the tragic event, his passion for judo remained intact. He even enjoyed playing judo during school. After his recovery, doctors suggested him to gain weight. It was during the period when he discovered blind judo and with the guidance of his mentor and coaches, Bhagwan Das and Manoj Sir, he began pursuing judo competitively.
Kapil has faced many difficulties in his life. He and his brother used to run a tea stall to support themselves. Even today, his brother remains his primary source of financial support, helping Kapil to chase his dreams.
Recent achievements
Paris Paralympics 2024 – Bronze medal
Asian Para Games 2022 (2023) – Silver Medal
Commonwealth Championships (2019)- Gold Medal
IBSA Judo Grand Prix Antalya (2024) – Gold Medal
IBSA Judo Grand Prix Tbilisi (2024) – Gold Medal
IBSA Judo Grand Prix Alexandria (2023) – Gold Medal
IBSA World Games (2023) – Bronze Medal
Kapil Parmar created history by winning the bronze medal in the men’s -60Kg J1 category at the Paris Paralympics 2024 on Thursday, September 5. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
