PM Modi Meets Special Olympics Contingent; Hails Their 33-Medal Triumph

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Indian contingent of the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Parliament, applauding their remarkable achievement of securing 33 medals, including 8 gold, 18 silver, and 7 bronze.

Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “I am immensely proud of our athletes who have brought glory to the nation at the Special Olympics World Winter Games held in Turin, Italy! Our incredible contingent has brought home 33 medals. Met the contingent in Parliament and congratulated them for their accomplishments.”

The Indian team, consisting of 30 athletes and 19 support staff, competed in six disciplines – alpine skiing, snowboarding, floorball, snowshoeing, short track speed skating, and cross-country skiing.

Notably, India clinched 10 medals each in snowshoeing and alpine skiing, while snowboarding contributed six.

Short track speed skating, cross-country skiing, and floorball added four, two, and one medal, respectively.

Recognizing their efforts, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has announced enhanced cash rewards – gold medallists will receive Rs 20 lakh, silver winners Rs 14 lakh, and bronze medallists Rs 8 lakh.

The Indian delegation, which included 30 athletes, three officials, and 16 support staff, was the largest among the participating nations.

The event however witnessed the participation of 1,500 athletes from 102 countries competing across eight sports.

The Union Sports Ministry has been actively supporting specially-abled athletes.

In preparation for the event, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) organized 11 national coaching camps in cities like Chandigarh, Narkanda, New Delhi, Gwalior, Noida, and Gurgaon.

The government also provided equipment, airfare, boarding, and lodging support to ensure the contingent’s smooth participation in the global competition.

Also Read: Nagpur Violence: Eknath Shinde Calls For Peace As Police Probe Conspiracy Angle