In his semi-final match, Parmar lost to Iran’s S. Banitaba Khorram Abadi, also by a 10-0 margin. However, he bounced back in the bronze medal playoff, securing victory over de Oliveira in a dominant fashion. Earlier, he had secured a flawless 10-0 win against Venezuela’s Marco Dennis Blanco in the quarter-finals.

This bronze medal not only marks India’s first in Paralympic judo but also brings the country’s total medal count at the Paris Games to 25, surpassing the 19-medal haul achieved in Tokyo 2021. With this victory, India’s tally of Paralympic medals, dating back to its debut in 1968, now stands at 56.

Parmar’s journey of resistance

Parmar’s journey to this historic victory has been one of immense hardship and perseverance. Hailing from Shivor, a small village in Madhya Pradesh, Kapil is the youngest of five siblings. His passion for judo began in his school days, and he often trained alongside his brother, who is also a judoka. Despite humble beginnings, with his father working as a taxi driver and his sister running a primary school, Parmar never wavered in his pursuit of excellence.

Tragedy struck during his childhood when Kapil suffered a severe electric shock after accidentally touching a water pump while playing. He was found unconscious and spent six months in a coma. Despite this life-altering incident, his love for judo remained intact. Encouraged by mentors Bhagwan Das and Manoj ‘Sir’, he discovered blind judo and began training at the Indian Blind and Para Judo Academy in Lucknow.

Reflecting on his journey, Parmar’s coach stated, "Kapil's resilience and determination are extraordinary. He has overcome every obstacle life has thrown at him with sheer willpower." Parmar’s accomplishments go beyond the Paralympics. His international achievements include a silver medal at the 2022 Asian Para Games and multiple gold medals at IBSA Judo Grand Prix events. His brother Lalit, who has supported him financially, remains a crucial part of his success.

With his bronze medal win at Paris 2024, Parmar has not only etched his name in Indian Paralympic history but also inspired countless others with his story of determination and perseverance.