Kapil Parmar scripts history, wins India's first-ever Paralympic medal in judo

Indian judoka Kapil Parmar made history on Thursday by winning India's first-ever Paralympic medal in judo at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. He secured a bronze in the men's -60kg J1 category after defeating Brazil's Elielton de Oliveira in just 33 seconds with an impressive Ippon. Kapil's achievement raised India's medal tally to 25, comprising 5 gold, 9 silver, and 11 bronze.

Parmar, who secured a silver medal in the 2022 Asian Games in the same category, showcased his skill by defeating Venezuela's Marco Dennis Blanco 10-0 in the quarterfinals. However, he received a yellow card in each of his two contests on Thursday. In judo, yellow cards are issued for minor infractions, such as passivity or employing techniques that could hinder or injure the opponent.

Hailing from the



small village of Shivor in Madhya Pradesh, Parmar's life took a dramatic turn when, as a child, he suffered a severe electric shock after accidentally touching a water pump while playing in the fields. He was found unconscious by a villager and spent six months in a coma.

The youngest of four brothers and a sister, Parmar's father works as a taxi driver, while his sister runs a primary school. Despite this life-altering setback, Parmar's love for judo never wavered. With the guidance and support of his mentors, Bhagwan Das and Manoj, he pursued blind judo with determination. Parmar's journey was not without further challenges. He once ran a tea stall with his brother, Lalit, to support their family. Lalit, who remains Parmar's greatest source of inspiration, continues to provide financial support to this