Indian Para-Canoeing Squad at Paralympics 2024: Classification, Medal chances & Schedule

The canoe has been man's ally for time immemorial. That said, it was only a matter of time before canoeing evolved into a recreational and competitive sport. And in 1936, it made its way into the Olympics at Berlin.

Gradually, para-canoeing took shape when the specially-abled began training.

Although it struggled for recognition, efforts by the International Canoe Federation (ICF) led to its inclusion in the 2010 Canoe Sprint World Championships in Poland.

The sport made its Paralympic debut at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, following approval by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in 2010.

What is Para-canoeing?

Para-canoeing involves athletes competing in 200m sprint races on flat water. These races are held in two types of boats: kayaks and Va’a, or outrigger canoes.

In kayak boats, athletes use a double-bladed paddle to propel themselves forward, with their legs stretched straight. The boat's design features a closed deck with a small opening for the paddler to sit inside.

Meanwhile, in Va’a, athletes position themselves in a sitting or kneeling position and use a single-bladed paddle to propel themselves forward.

Va’a boats have an open hull and are equipped with an outrigger (a secondary float) for stability.

Kayak events made their debut at the Rio 2016 Games, while Va’a was first introduced at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Having entered two Paralympics, Great Britain tops the medal tally in the event with 12 medals in all, followed by Ukraine and Australia who have won six medals apiece.

The venue for para-canoeing at the Paris Paralympics is the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium in Paris, and the events are scheduled between September 6th and 8th.

Para-Canoeing Classification

There are three Olympic classifications for kayaks – Kayak Level 1 (KL1), KL2, and KL3 and two for Va’a – Va’a Level 2 (VL2) and VL3. The level of disability in kayak matches that in Va’a, the only difference is the type of boat used.

KL1: Athletes in this category have severe impairments in their legs and trunk, with little to no function, and only use their arms for paddling.

KL2/VL2: Athletes in this category have partial trunk and leg function. They use their arms, shoulders, and trunk to propel the kayak or Va’a, with limited leg movement.

KL3/VL3: Athletes in this category have good trunk and leg function. Like those in KL2/VL2, they can use the upper part of their body effectively and might use their legs for balance and to help propel the boat forward.

Indian Para Canoeing Squad

Three Indian para-canoeists—Yash Kumar in Men’s KL1, Pooja Ojha in Women’s KL1, and Prachi Yadav in Women’s VL2 will compete in the upcoming Para-canoeing events at the Paralympics.

Prachi Yadav, who previously competed in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and finished 8th in her category, will be joined by debutants Yash Kumar and Pooja Ojha, both of whom will make their Paralympic debut in Paris 2024.

All three canoeists secured their spots in the Paris Paralympics through quota places earned at the World Championships.

Prachi Yadav qualified in Women’s VL2 after finishing fourth at the 2023 International Canoe Federation (ICF) Canoe Sprint World Championship in Duisburg, Germany.

Pooja Ojha and Yash Kumar earned their places by finishing 11th in Women’s KL1 and 10th in Men’s KL1, respectively, at the 2024 ICF Canoe Sprint World Championship in Szeged, Hungary

Medal Chances

Indian para-canoeists have their task cut out at the Paris Paralympics 2024. With several medalists in the mix, the chances of an Indian canoeist reaching the podium may seem slim.

However, there is still a good chance for success. For instance, despite Pooja Ojha's 11th place finish in Women’s KL1, she clinched a silver medal in the non-Olympic VL1 class at the same event.

If she can replicate that performance in the KL1 class in Paris, a medal could be within reach. Competing in her second Paralympics, Pooja Ojha, who reached the semifinals and finished 8th overall at Tokyo 2020, will be aiming for an even better finish this time.

Meanwhile, debutant Yash Kumar, a two-time medalist in the Asian Para Kayaking Championship, will face the challenge of competing in the Paralympics for the first time.

Schedule of Indian Para-Canoeists (Indian Standard Time)

6th September

1:30 PM: Men’s Kayak Single 200m (KL1) Heats - Yash Kumar

1:50 PM: Women’s Va’a Single 200m (VL2) Heats - Prachi Yadav

2:55 PM: Women’s Kayak Single 200m (KL1) Heats - Pooja Ojha

7th September*

1:30 PM: Men’s Kayak Single 200m (KL1) Semifinals - Yash Kumar

1:58 PM: Women’s Va’a Single 200m (VL2) Semifinals - Prachi Yadav

2:50 PM: Men’s Kayak Single 200m (KL1) Final A - Yash Kumar

3:14 PM: Women’s Va’a Single 200m (VL2) Final B (Ranking Round) - Prachi Yadav

3:22 PM: Women’s Va’a Single 200m (VL2) Final A (Medal Round) - Prachi Yadav

8th September*

1:30 PM: Women’s Kayak Single 200m (KL1) Semifinals - Pooja Ojha

2:55 PM: Women’s Kayak Single 200m (KL1) Final A - Pooja Ojha

*Subject to qualification.