India send largest-ever contingent as Rio Paralympics gets underway

Few weeks after 2016 Rio Olympics concluded, the Brazilian city kicked off the Paralympic Games in a spectacular fashion with a backdrop of colour, music and a powerful message of inclusivity.

To the sound of samba, fireworks, giant balloons and groups of singers and musicians in the middle of the arena, Rio welcomed more than 4,300 Paralympians for start of the 2016 Games.

The opening ceremony commenced with the Brazilian national anthem followed by the parade of the para athletes, the Guardian reported.

Every nation carried a piece of a jigsaw, which featured the name of their country on one side and picture of the competing athletes on the other side of the puzzle.

Just as India sent their largest-ever contingent to the 2016 Rio Olympics, the Paralympics Games will also feature 19 athletes from the nation, the highest sent for the event till date.

These 19 athletes will participate in nine events, with the key important point being the highest amount of women participation (3).

The Games will see Javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia, the country's first Paralympic gold medallist (Athens 2004), competing for his second medal.