USASPORTSSCREEEN

  Harmeet Desai is an accomplished Indian table tennis player known for his skillful gameplay and international achievements. Born in Surat, Gujarat, Desai has represented India in numerous tournaments, including the Commonwealth Games and the ITTF World Tour. He won a gold medal in the men’s team event at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and has consistently been a key figure in India’s table tennis scene. His notable career includes victories in the ITTF Challenge events, helping boost India's standing in global table tennis. Harmeet continues to inspire young athletes with his dedication and success.

  Manika Batra is a top Indian table tennis player known for her outstanding achievements. She gained international recognition with her performance at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, where she won gold in the women's singles event. Manika became the first Indian woman to do so in this category. Her unique style, combining sharp attacking play and defensive prowess, sets her apart. She has also represented India in various global events, including the Olympics. Manika's contributions have significantly raised the profile of table tennis in India, making her a role model for aspiring athletes.

  Vinesh Phogat is a prominent Indian wrestler and one of the country's top female athletes. Born into the famous Phogat wrestling family, she has earned numerous accolades, including gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. Known for her resilience and technical prowess, Vinesh made history by becoming the first Indian female wrestler to qualify for the Olympics. Her journey has been marked by overcoming injuries and adversity, inspiring many young athletes. Vinesh continues to be a symbol of determination and strength in Indian wrestling, carving a significant legacy in the sport.

  Vinesh Phogat is a prominent Indian wrestler and one of the country's top female athletes. Born into the famous Phogat wrestling family, she has earned numerous accolades, including gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. Known for her resilience and technical prowess, Vinesh made history by becoming the first Indian female wrestler to qualify for the Olympics. Her journey has been marked by overcoming injuries and adversity, inspiring many young athletes. Vinesh continues to be a symbol of determination and strength in Indian wrestling, carving a significant legacy in the sport.

  Manu Bhaker is an Indian sport shooter who has made a significant impact in the world of shooting at a young age. She gained international recognition by winning gold medals at prestigious events such as the ISSF World Cup and the Commonwealth Games. Specializing in the 10m air pistol and 25m pistol events, Manu’s remarkable focus and precision have earned her numerous accolades, making her one of India's top shooting talents. Her success has inspired many young athletes, showcasing India's potential in competitive shooting on the global stage.

  Wheelchair curling follows similar rules to traditional curling, with key adaptations for accessibility. Teams consist of four players, including at least one of a different gender. Players deliver stones from a stationary wheelchair using a delivery stick, as sweeping is not permitted. Each team alternates throwing eight stones toward the house, aiming to get as close to the target as possible. Points are awarded based on the number of stones closer to the center than the opponent’s. Matches are typically eight ends long, and physical contact between wheelchairs or players is not allowed.

  Sports wheelchair curling, a dynamic winter sport, involves teams of athletes with physical disabilities competing in a game similar to traditional curling. Played on ice, participants use wheelchairs to deliver stones towards a target area known as the "house." Teams aim to position their stones closest to the center of the house while strategically knocking opponents' stones out of the way. The sport emphasizes precision, teamwork, and strategy, providing an inclusive and competitive platform for athletes to showcase their skills and determination. With its unique challenges and strategic depth, wheelchair curling continues to gain popularity worldwide.

  Wheelchair tennis follows the same basic rules as able-bodied tennis, with some adaptations for wheelchair use. Players must allow the ball to bounce twice before hitting it, with the first bounce being inside the court boundaries. The wheelchair is considered an extension of the player’s body, so players can use their wheels to move and hit the ball. A player is allowed two bounces of the ball to prepare for a shot, provided the second bounce occurs within the court or its surrounding area. Players must keep one buttock in contact with their wheelchair while striking the ball.

  Wheelchair tennis is an exhilarating and inclusive sport that adapts traditional tennis for athletes with physical disabilities. Played on a standard tennis court, it allows players to use wheelchairs, and the game follows similar rules to able-bodied tennis, with the added rule that the ball can bounce twice. It combines skill, strategy, and agility, showcasing the incredible abilities and competitive spirit of its players. The sport promotes physical fitness, mental toughness, and camaraderie, providing opportunities for athletes to excel and inspire others, breaking down barriers and redefining what’s possible in tennis.

  Para table tennis follows rules similar to able-bodied table tennis but with specific adaptations for players with disabilities. Competitions include classes based on disability type and severity. Matches are best of five games, with each game played to 11 points. Players must serve behind the end line and above the level of the playing surface. The ball must bounce on the server’s side before crossing the net. Players can strike the ball with one side of the paddle, and matches are played on standard table tennis tables.

Para table tennis, also known as para table tennis, is an inclusive sport that brings the excitement of table tennis to athletes with physical disabilities. The game follows similar rules to able-bodied table tennis, with adaptations made for different impairments. Competitions are categorized by classification to ensure fair play, with athletes using wheelchairs or prosthetics to participate. The sport emphasizes skill, precision, and strategic play, offering athletes an opportunity to showcase their talent and compete at national and international levels. Para table tennis continues to gain recognition for its role in promoting inclusivity and athletic excellence.

Para badminton is governed by rules adapted from standard badminton with adjustments for athletes with disabilities. Key rules include: Court Dimensions : The court size remains standard, but specific accommodations are made based on the athlete's classification. Classification : Players are classified based on their physical impairment to ensure fair competition. Serve : Serves must be below the server's waist and hit diagonally to the opponent’s service box. Scoring : Matches are played in best-of-three games, with each game going to 21 points. Wheelchair Use : Athletes using wheelchairs are allowed two pushes between hits. These adaptations ensure an inclusive and competitive environment for all players.

Para badminton follows similar rules to traditional badminton, with adaptations for athletes with physical impairments. The game is played on a standard badminton court, using a shuttlecock and racket. It has five categories based on the players' physical abilities: wheelchair, standing lower, standing upper, short stature, and combined standing/wheelchair events.

Para archery follows the same basic rules as able-bodied archery, with modifications to accommodate athletes with physical impairments. Archers shoot at a target 70 meters away, aiming for a 10-ring target. Competitors use either recurve or compound bows. The classification system ensures fair competition, with athletes grouped based on their functional abilities. Archers may compete seated or standing, and assistive devices like mouth tabs, release aids, or wheelchair brackets are allowed, depending on the athlete's needs. The scoring system is identical to standard archery, and events include individual, team, and mixed team formats.

Para Taekwondo follows adapted rules to ensure fair competition for athletes with physical impairments. The sport includes both Kyorugi (sparring) and Poomsae (forms) categories. In Kyorugi, athletes with limb impairments compete in full-contact matches, focusing on scoring points through punches and kicks to the opponent's chest protector. No head kicks are allowed for safety reasons. Matches consist of three rounds, and points are awarded based on the accuracy and impact of the strikes. For Poomsae, athletes perform choreographed techniques, judged on precision and fluidity. Classification ensures fair competition, grouping athletes based on their level of impairment.

Para Taekwondo is an adapted form of Taekwondo, designed for athletes with physical impairments. It became a Paralympic sport at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. The sport emphasizes inclusivity and offers various classifications based on the athletes' abilities. Para Taekwondo includes the Kyorugi (sparring) discipline, where athletes demonstrate strength, agility, and technique using modified rules. This sport has grown rapidly, showcasing remarkable athletes who break barriers and inspire many with their determination, resilience, and dedication to martial arts.

Para archery is an adaptive sport for athletes with physical impairments, allowing them to showcase precision and strength. Played similarly to able-bodied archery, para athletes use specialized equipment to shoot arrows at a target from a set distance. The sport is featured in events like the Paralympic Games, with categories based on athletes' mobility and physical abilities. Para archery promotes inclusivity, resilience, and competitiveness, offering a platform for athletes to overcome challenges and excel in international competitions.