Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addressed the Indian athletes preparing for the Paris Paralympics, commencing 28 August, during a motivational session held on Monday.
PM Modi expressed his optimism that the contingent, the largest ever from India, will continue to uphold the nation’s honor as they did in Tokyo in 2021.
India is sending a record 84 para-athletes to Paris, led by prominent figures such as Mariyappan Thangavelu, Avani Lekhara, Sumit Antil, Yogesh Kathuniya, and Bhavina Patel.
This marks the largest delegation India has ever sent to the Paralympics.
In his speech, PM Modi highlighted the impressive growth of India’s Paralympic achievements, noting that the medal count has surged significantly since the London 2012 Games.
He pointed out that India advanced from winning just one silver medal in London to securing four medals in Rio 2016, culminating in the country’s best performance at the Tokyo Paralympics with a total of 19 medals, including five golds.
PM Modi announced plans to establish a dedicated recovery center in Paris to support the athletes.
He encouraged the team to surpass their previous records from Tokyo and the 2022 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, where India won 111 medals.
PM Modi Inspires Indian Paralympians; Athletes Share Ambitions For Paris Paralympics
During the interaction, PM Modi spoke with several athletes, including 17-year-old armless archer Sheetal Devi from Jammu and Kashmir, who is the youngest member of the Indian contingent.
Devi shared her excitement and resolved to win a medal and hear the National Anthem played in Paris.
Shooter Avani Lekhara, who clinched two medals in Tokyo, expressed her confidence in her improved performance. She shared that after competing in Tokyo, she no longer feels the same pressure and is eager to excel in Paris.
High jumper Mariyappan Thangavelu, who won gold in 2016, is now aiming for gold again after securing a silver in Tokyo. He mentioned that he has overcome the initial hesitation from his first Paralympics and is focused on turning his Tokyo silver into gold.
Sumit Antil, the world record holder in javelin throw and gold medallist from Tokyo, shared his inspiration from fellow athletes, including Devendra Jhajharia and Neeraj Chopra.
Antil cited their achievements as motivation to continually push his limits.
Amit Saroha, at 39, is the oldest member of the team and is likely to participate in his fourth Paralympics.
Reflecting on India’s progress, Saroha further acknowledged the support from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), which have been instrumental in the growth of Indian Paralympic sports.
The virtual meeting was also attended by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse, and senior officials from the Ministry and SAI, underscoring the government’s support for the athletes as they head to Paris.
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