Over the years, several countries have consistently excelled, amassing impressive gold medal counts.

Here are the top 10 countries with the most all-time gold medals at the Summer Paralympics:

As the year draws to a close, here’s a recap of some of the global sporting events that took place in 2024:

AFC Asian Cup 

The AFC Asian Cup, which kicked off at the beginning of the year in Qatar from 12 January to 10 February, saw the 2022 World Cup host defend their title on home soil. Qatar defeated Jordan 3-1 in the final to clinch their second trophy.

Africa Cup of Nations

The AFCON, which also happened at the start of the year from 13 January to 11 February, witnessed the host nation, Ivory Coast, fight against all odds in a tournament comeback after they almost exited in the group stages. The Ivorians defeated Nigeria in the final—coming back from behind to hand the Super Eagles their first defeat of the tournament in a 2-1 victory to secure their third title.

Paris 2024 Olympics 

The Paris 2024 Olympics—which opened on July 26 and ended on August 11—saw thousands of athletes from various countries feature. Seasoned athletes like Simone Biles showcased why they were the best at what they do, whilst newcomers like Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo announced themselves on the Olympic stage with a historic debut. New records were set, and historic milestones were reached as Paris passed the Olympic torch to Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Games.

Paris 2024 Paralympics 

Shortly after the end of Paris 2024, the Paralympics followed from August 28 to September 8, with thousands of para-athletes competing in various events. The Paralympics was hailed as hugely successful, with millions in ticket sales. Like the Olympics, the Paralympic Games also witnessed athletes break milestones—Nigerian athlete Mariam Eniola Bolaji, an 18-year-old, became the first African to win a badminton medal at either the Paralympic or Olympic Games.

Copa America

Lionel Messi and his boys secured a record-breaking 16th Copa America title for Argentina after defeating Colombia at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium. The Copa America—the oldest continental football tournament in the world—took place from June 20 to July 14 in the United States. The Albicelestes defended their title against 15 other teams from the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) and the Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF).

Formula One World Championship

Yet another thrilling season of the Formula One World Championship, as racers began their season on March 2 in Bahrain and ended on December 8 in Abu Dhabi. The championship featured a record total of twenty-four Grands Prix held across the globe. Dutch driver Max Verstappen, representing Red Bull Racing-Honda RBPT, claimed his fourth World Drivers' Championship title. Meanwhile, McLaren-Mercedes secured their ninth World Constructors' Championship, marking their first victory in this category since 1998.

World Chess Championships

The World Chess Championship 2024 pitted defending champion Ding Liren of China against Indian challenger Gukesh Dommaraju between 25 November and 12 December 2024 in Singapore. Ultimately, the 18-year-old Gukesh defeated the world champion to become the youngest undisputed world champion.

UEFA European Football Championship

Football did not come home as many English fans were once again made to wait for that first Euro title. Like that night in Wembley, the ‘Italian Job’ in the Euro 2020 final, the Three Lions suffered defeat—this time against a revamped Spaniard side that eliminated host Germany and heavyweight France. Many would argue that the tournament, which took place from June 14 to July 14, not only secured Spain its fourth title but also became the main catalyst in Rodri overtaking Brazil and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. to win the Ballon d’Or. 

In a recent event held by the French Embassy in Nepal, Palesha Goverdhan, the nation's first Paralympic medallist, was celebrated for her historic achievement of winning a bronze medal at the Paralympics on August 31. Ambassador Virginie Corteval hailed Goverdhan as a "beacon of hope and determination", asserting her success as a testament to Nepali talent. The gathering also marked the launch of the Choose France/Marque France initiative, aimed at fostering cooperation in multiple sectors, including business and education. Furthermore, TKP reports that information regarding the upcoming Choose France Tour on September 28 was shared, highlighting opportunities for Nepali students to explore educational prospects in France.

Increased monsoon rainfall

Concerning weather patterns, Nepal has reported above-average monsoon rainfall this year, accumulating 1,504.1 mm by mid-September, constituting around 101.6% of the expected long-term seasonal average of 1,472 mm. The monsoon period, spanning from June 10 to October 2, still has approximately 15 days to run. Major cities like Kathmandu and Biratnagar have experienced significantly heightened rainfall, with Kathmandu surpassing its average of 1,000 mm and recording over 1,400 mm. In contrast, regions such as Janakpur documented below-average precipitation. The predicted pre-monsoon and winter rainfall was not met; however, My Republica reported that the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology anticipates a 35-55% probability of above-normal rain during this season.

Cheque era fading

The landscape of financial transactions in Nepal is transforming, with a noticeable decline in cheque usage as digital payment methods gain traction. Statistics from the fiscal year 2022-23 reveal an 8.97% reduction in cheque transactions, dropping to 15.22 million, while cash transactions decreased from Rs10.53 trillion to Rs7.83 trillion. According to TKP , The remarkable growth of mobile banking saw transactions soaring by 60.19% to Rs373.97 billion, and QR code payments exhibiting a twofold increase to Rs61.73 billion. While experts commend the expediency, convenience, and cost efficiency associated with digital payments, they also emphasise the need for enhanced digital infrastructure and data connectivity for sustained development. Additionally, new government taxation policies impacting digital transactions have been critiqued for possibly hindering progress. The shift away from cheque reliance is thus viewed as a beneficial advance towards a cashless environment, thereby promoting broader financial inclusion in the country.

Electricity from Bangladesh

In a significant move to bolster cross-border energy trade, the Interim Government of Bangladesh has sanctioned the import of 40 MW of hydropower from Nepal, a project stemming from initiatives pursued during the former Sheikh Hasina administration. Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan has advocated for the import; however, the Finance Division has expressed apprehensions regarding transmission line costs charged by India. A tripartite agreement — involving Bangladesh, India, and Nepal — is required to expedite the import process, though existing complications and missing documentation could delay the agreement's finalisation. The stipulated electricity cost is 6.40 US cents per unit, with overall expenses, comprising Indian trading margins and transmission fees, summing to 8.17 INR per unit, reports My Republica . Payments will occur in both dollar and rupee currencies, subject to tax regulations across the involved nations. Alterations in taxation policy by India will necessitate shared financial responsibilities, whereas any changes instigated by Bangladesh or Nepal will be the liability of the respective country. This project aims to strengthen regional electricity trade and import strategies from Nepal and Bhutan.

Climbers to climb 10 mountains in Nepal

Finally, the autumn climbing season in Nepal has seen a substantial influx of climbers, with a total of 362 individuals from 54 countries — of which 88 are women — securing permits to ascend ten prominent mountains during this timeframe. A significant portion, 308 climbers, is poised to target Mount Manaslu, while 14 have permits for Mount Dhaulagiri. The Nepal Department of Tourism has accrued $300,525 in royalty fees through these permits. This climbing season, stretching from September to November is anticipated to mirror last year's participation figures, where approximately 1,300 climbers participated, UNI reports.

Here are the top 10 countries with the most all-time gold medals at the Summer Paralympics:

Tony Estanguet, the chief organiser for Paris 2024, hailed the past six weeks as a "historic summer" for France, noting how the Games helped heal recent political divisions. "This summer will remain etched in people's memories," Estanguet was quoted by AFP.

The ceremony included the extinguishing of the Paralympic flame and a high-energy concert with performances by French electronic music legends Jean-Michel Jarre, Cassius, Busy P, and Kungs. DJ Martin Solveig wrapped up the night with hits like "Hello" and Daft Punk’s "One More Time."

China led the medal standings with 94 gold medals. Great Britain finished second with 49 golds, while the USA secured third place with 36. Ukraine placed seventh with 22 golds, and France ended eighth with 19 golds.

On the final day, Switzerland won both wheelchair marathons, with Catherine Debrunner triumphing in the women’s race and Marcel Hug in the men’s. The Netherlands retained their women’s wheelchair basketball title with a 63-49 win over the USA. The American women, last champions in Rio 2016, will have to wait until Los Angeles 2028 for their next chance.

Oluwafemiayo's record-breaking lift secured her the gold medal , while China’s Deng Xuemei took silver with a lift of 155kg. Egypt’s Nadia Ali earned the bronze with a 145kg lift.

Nigeria’s Minister of Sports, John Enoh, congratulated Oluwafemiayo on her historic achievement. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Enoh praised her exceptional performance: "Our very own Folashade Oluwafemiayo has delivered an outstanding performance at the Paralympics. She achieved something no other woman has done in powerlifting at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, France."

"After this Paralympic Games I have to rest, then go back to training. I have to rest for many months, so next year I do my training, Oluwafemiayo was quoted by the Para Powerlifting Federation on X.

Oluwafemiayo’s gold adds to her impressive list of achievements, which includes gold medals from the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo and World Championships in Mexico (2017), Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan (2019), Tbilisi, Georgia (2021), Dubai, UAE (2023), and Birmingham, England (2022).

With this latest victory, Team Nigeria’s medal count at the 2024 Paralympics has reached seven, including two gold, three silver, and two bronze medals.

Goverdhan, draped in the national flag, marigold garlands, and traditional Buddhist scarves, was overwhelmed by the reception. "I kept my promise, I brought a medal back home. This achievement is not just for me, but for everyone," Goverdhan said in her speech, which was quoted by AFP.

Her return was marked by traditional music and an army band, with many young taekwondo enthusiasts among the hundreds who gathered to welcome her.

Goverdhan also secured a bronze at the 2018 Asian Para Taekwondo Championship and finished fifth at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

Bolaji’s historic win came against Ukraine's Oksana Kozyna, whom she defeated 21-9, 21-9 to clinch the bronze medal.

In an emotional tribute, Bolaji dedicated her victory to her late coach, Bello Oyebanji, who tragically passed away in a road accident three years ago while she was preparing for the Tokyo Paralympics.

On social media, she shared, “It was an incredible round-up as I secured a bronze medal for myself, my country, my supporters, and Africa at large at the 2024 Paralympics. God willing, I dedicate this achievement to my late coach, Bello Oyebanji.”

In a heartfelt follow-up post, she added, “How I wish Coach Bello Oyebanji were alive, but Allah knows best.”

Bolaji’s bronze medal is also Nigeria’s first medal at the Paris Paralympics. Her achievement has garnered widespread recognition across Nigeria, with commendations pouring in from the Nigerian presidency and various state institutions celebrating her accomplishment.

"I'd really love us to have a place where the Agitos can remain here in the city, celebrating what I think, by some margin right now, is the most spectacular Paralympic Games in our history," Spence stated.

The IPC official highlighted the impact of previous occasions like the Tokyo Games disclosing that there remain “many Agitos in the Japanese capital”, commemorating the great Games that took place there.

“We shouldn't forget about the Agitos. We shouldn't forget that the Paralympics have also been here (Paris), and are here," he added.

Supporting the success of the ongoing Paralympic Games , Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps shared, "The great news is that the ticket sales are continuing to fly. I can tell you that we have now reached the milestone of 2.3 million tickets sold for the Paralympic Games, so it's a clear success for all of us. The French public is falling in love with these Paralympic Games. We're so happy with this success and more to come."

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, which commenced on August 28, will continue until September 8.

Like the opening of the just-ended Olympics, the Paris 2024 Paralympics happens away from the main stadium. The games will officially open with a grand ceremony at Place de la Concorde, a central square in Paris that also hosted urban sports like skateboarding during the Olympics.

According to AFP, the Paris 2024 Paralympics organisers revealed on August 27 that over two million tickets have already been sold as excitement builds for the Games, which will run until September 8.

A total of 18 out of the 35 venues used during the Olympics will host Paralympic events, marking a significant continuation of the sporting celebration in the French capital.

Now, it is preparing to accommodate approximately 180 Paralympic delegations, starting with the arrival of the chefs de mission early on the morning of Sunday, August 18. 

The Village, originally designed with accessibility, required only minimal adjustments to meet the specific needs of Paralympic athletes. Laurent Michaud, the Village director, highlighted that “public spaces, roads, sidewalks, and crosswalks were all created to be navigable by wheelchair users, adhering to universal accessibility standards for new urban developments.” 

Michaud added, “We’re adding temporary grab bars in the bathrooms and wheelchairs in the showers to facilitate transfers,” ensuring that all athletes can comfortably and safely navigate their living spaces during the Games.

In the Village apartments, only units with at least one bathroom adapted for people with reduced mobility (PRM) will be used. This adaptation reduces the number of required beds from 14,000 during the Olympics to 9,000 for the Paralympics, allowing for a more efficient use of space. 

"So, the peak will be 25,000 police officers, in Île-de-France and in Châteauroux, where the shooting events will take place, as you know. We will have the support of three intervention forces: the GIGN, the RAID and the BRI, who will work together, as they did during the Olympic Games," Darmanin stated. He added that the deployment will be supported by three elite intervention forces - GIGN, RAID, and BRI - who successfully collaborated during the Olympic Games.

In addition to the police presence, 600 specialised forces will be mobilised throughout the Games, particularly during the opening ceremony in central Paris. Over 10,000 private security guards will also be involved in the overall security efforts.