Arunachal Pradesh’s Kipa Mero has brought pride to her state by securing a silver medal in the Women’s Javelin Throw F-13 category at the National Para-Athletics Championship 2024, held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai. The prestigious event, which took place from February 17 to 20, witnessed top para-athletes from across India competing at the highest level.
Her remarkable achievement has elevated Arunachal Pradesh’s national sporting presence, inspiring countless athletes to pursue excellence in para-sports.
CM Pema Khandu Applauds Kipa Mero’s Victory
Following her outstanding performance, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu took to social media to extend his heartfelt congratulations to Kipa Mero.
“Kudos to Miss Kipa Mero for rising against the odds in an incredible way. Your silver medal in the Women’s Javelin Throw F-13 category at the ongoing #NationalParaAthletics Championship in Chennai has made us so proud. Heartiest congratulations and best wishes for your future endeavours,” Khandu wrote on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
His appreciation underscores the importance of Mero’s triumph in uplifting para-athletes from the Northeast region, encouraging more young talents to participate in national and international competitions.
National Para-Athletics Championship 2024: A Grand Sporting Event
The 23rd National Para-Athletics Championship witnessed an overwhelming participation of 1,476 para-athletes from across India, competing in 155 events across 30 teams. This makes it one of the largest para-athletics gatherings in India’s history.
The championship was organized by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), ensuring that para-athletes received world-class facilities and a platform to showcase their talent on a national scale.
PCI President Devendra Jhajharia, a two-time Paralympic gold medalist, emphasized the importance of the championship in shaping India’s para-athletics future.
“We are confident that this championship in Chennai has set new benchmarks for para-athletic competitions in India. This tournament reflects the rapid growth and increasing competitiveness of para-sports in the country. With world-class facilities and a commitment to inclusivity, we are witnessing a new era for Indian para-athletics,” he said.
Haryana Tops the Medal Tally at National Para-Athletics Championship
Haryana emerged as the overall team champion in both men’s and women’s categories, dominating the medal tally with:
- 49 gold medals
- 32 silver medals
- 25 bronze medals
Tamil Nadu secured the second position with 17 gold, 18 silver, and 12 bronze medals, while Uttar Pradesh finished third with 14 gold, 17 silver, and 11 bronze medals.
Kipa Mero: A Rising Star in Para-Athletics
Kipa Mero’s journey in para-athletics is an inspiration to many young athletes in Arunachal Pradesh and across India. Despite the challenges that para-athletes often face, her dedication and perseverance have led her to this remarkable milestone on the national stage.
Her silver medal win in Javelin Throw F-13 highlights the immense potential of para-athletes from the Northeast region and underscores the need for better sports infrastructure, training facilities, and government support.
With continued encouragement from sports authorities and the Paralympic Committee of India, athletes like Kipa Mero have a bright future ahead, possibly representing India in international competitions, including the Paralympics.
A Milestone for Arunachal Pradesh in Para-Athletics
Kipa Mero’s historic silver medal win at the National Para-Athletics Championship 2024 is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and the growing strength of para-sports in Arunachal Pradesh. Her victory serves as an inspiration for aspiring para-athletes and highlights the importance of supporting differently-abled athletes through structured training and competitive platforms.
As Arunachal Pradesh and India celebrate her achievement, there is hope that more para-athletes from the Northeast region will step forward and conquer the national and global para-athletics stage in the coming years.
With the increasing focus on inclusivity in sports, Kipa Mero’s silver medal is not just a personal achievement but also a milestone for Indian para-sports.
