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The Games took place from August 28 to September 8, 2024 in Paris. Russian athletes participated in five of the 22 sports, securing a total of 64 medals (20 gold, 21 silver, and 23 bronze) and ranking eighth in the unofficial medal table based on the overall medal count.

Earlier that day, at the Grand Kremlin Palace, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko and Minister of Sport Mikhail Degtyarev bestowed state honours upon Russian athletes who had earned silver and bronze medals.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, friends,

I am truly delighted to see you and warmly welcome you to the Kremlin to confer high state honours upon you. Today, we are here to present awards to the champions of the 17^th Paralympic Games. As I understand it, some of the athletes [medallists] present have already been honoured.

As is well known, the very essence of the Paralympic movement is to unite people with disabilities. Yet, learning about your triumphs, your sporting accomplishments, and the vibrant, eventful lives you lead, one realises that human potential knows no bounds, and that life's challenges cannot crush the resolute spirit.

At the past Paralympics, to be frank, due to unjust and politicised bans, our athletes were unable to fully display their talents: you competed in only a quarter of the medal programme. Nevertheless, even under these circumstances – a far cry from full strength – you managed to affirm the pre-eminence of national sport, placing among the top ten strongest Paralympic teams in the world.

Your victories demanded immense effort. You bravely endured the rigours of both qualifying for the Games and the competitions themselves, overcoming many esteemed rivals and, to be blunt, delivering outstanding performances and setting new world records.

As I have previously mentioned, the atmosphere of the Paris Paralympics – much like the Olympics, we must concede – was far removed from a genuine sports festival and its core values: equality, friendship, mutual respect for cultures and traditions, and fair competition. Not only were you compelled to compete as ”neutral“ athletes, but our entire national team also grappled with numerous restrictions. Nevertheless, the entire nation – I assure you – has always stood by you. I am certain that you also have always held the Motherland close in your hearts and minds.

We are not merely proud – we genuinely and profoundly admire you, dear friends. The very fact that individuals with health limitations engage in sports inspires millions endlessly. Without any exaggeration – I speak plainly – you are exceptional individuals: heroes both in sport and in life. Your journeys and achievements in athletics, your innate optimism and resilience are undeniable evidence of the triumph of willpower and character. The state honours that will be conferred upon you now are rightfully yours.

We will consistently do everything required to ensure that our Paralympians may continue their beloved endeavour and delight all supporters with new accomplishments. We will persist in developing sports infrastructure across the regions and nationwide, making it accessible to individuals of various ages and fitness levels, and offering a robust schedule of competitions – ranging from amateur, mass, regional events to major, open, and international tournaments.

We will dedicate the forthcoming meeting of the Sport Council to the advancement of adaptive sports. We will deliberate on measures necessary to involve individuals with disabilities in physical training and sports, how to utilise these activities more effectively for socialisation, and for the reintegration of participants of the special military operation into peaceful life.

I observe that a considerable number of defenders of the Fatherland have already joined various sports clubs and national teams, demonstrating significant sporting achievements in competitions.

I underscore that Russia has always upheld and will continue to cherish the ideals of sport, actively promoting them both domestically and internationally – in close collaboration, by the way, with our friends from other nations, and with all who hold dear the enduring values of humanism, justice, and fair play.

I extend my congratulations once more on your success at the Paralympic Games and on the high honours bestowed by the Motherland. I wish you, your mentors, coaches, and medical specialists continued success, abundant energy, and illustrious victories, as well as all the best to your families and friends. And, of course, I wish you a joyful upcoming New Year.

Thank you.

(Ceremony for presenting state decorations.)