Paralympics 2024: Kapil Parmar scripts history with coveted bronze, wins first-ever medal for India in judo in Para Games

Indian judoka Kapil Parmar etched his name in history on September 5 by clinching India's first-ever Paralympic medal in judo at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. 

Indian judoka Kapil Parmar wins historic Paralympic bronze medal

In a remarkable display of skill, Parmar defeated Brazil's Elielton de Oliveira in just 33 seconds with an impressive Ippon in the men's -60kg J1 category. This historic achievement has elevated India's medal tally to 25, comprising 25 gold, 9 silver, and 11 bronze medals.

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In the para judo semifinals, 24-year-old Parmar faced a tough challenge against Iran's S. Banitaba Khorram Abadi in the J1 class, which is reserved for athletes with no to very low visual acuity. Competitors in this category are identified by the red circles they wear, signaling their need for guided assistance throughout the contest. Despite a valiant effort, Parmar was defeated 0-10 by his Iranian opponent.

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Kapil Parmar's Journey to Paralympic Success

Kapil Parmar, a silver medalist in the same category at the 2022 Asian Games, showcased his prowess in the quarterfinals, defeating Venezuela's Marco Dennis Blanco with a 10-0 victory. However, he received a yellow card in both his matches on this day. Kapil, the youngest of four brothers and a sister, hails from Shivor, a village in Madhya Pradesh. His father works as a taxi driver, and his sister runs a primary school. As a child, Kapil miraculously survived a severe electric shock after accidentally touching a water pump while playing in the fields, which left him in a coma.

Who is Kapil Parmar?

Kapil Parmar, a rising star in the world of para-judo, hails from the small village of Shivor in Madhya Pradesh, India. As the youngest of four brothers and a sister, Kapil grew up in a close-knit family. His middle brother, a judo practitioner, often trained with him, fostering his early interest in the sport. While his father works as a taxi driver, his sister runs a primary school. Kapil's life took a dramatic turn when he was a child. During a playful outing in the village fields, he accidentally touched a water pump, resulting in a severe electric shock. Found unconscious by a villager, Kapil was rushed to the hospital and spent six months in a coma in Bhopal. Despite this traumatic experience, his love for judo, which he enjoyed playing in school, remained undimmed.

Upon recovering from his injuries, doctors advised Kapil to gain weight. It was during this time, with the encouragement of his mentors and coaches, Bhagwan Das and Manoj 'Sir', that Kapil discovered blind judo. Inspired by their guidance, he decided to pursue the sport competitively.

Kapil's journey has been marked by numerous hardships. He and his brother once ran a tea stall to support themselves financially. Even today, his brother Lalit remains his primary source of support, tirelessly helping him achieve his judo dreams.

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