Chief Minister Launches National Paralympic Powerlifting Championship, Celebrates Indian Athletes' Achievements
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the National Paralympic Powerlifting Championship, emphasizing the significant changes in India's sports landscape over the last decade. He celebrated the achievements of differently-abled athletes, recalling historic victories and highlighting their contributions to sports. Dhami's remarks underscored the resilience and determination of these athletes, showcasing their ability to overcome challenges and achieve greatness. The event not only honored past accomplishments but also inspired future generations to pursue excellence in sports.
| Jan 16, 2026, 18:03 IST
Inauguration of the Championship
On Friday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami virtually inaugurated the National Paralympic Powerlifting Championship, highlighting the remarkable transformations in India's sports history over the past decade. Speaking from COER University in Roorkee, he emphasized that this championship is not merely a sporting event but a celebration of India's indomitable spirit, which turns every obstacle into an opportunity. Dhami remarked that powerlifting symbolizes discipline, patience, courage, and self-confidence. "This sport transcends mere strength; it exemplifies resilience and self-respect," he stated.
Celebrating Achievements of Disabled Athletes
Chief Minister Dhami acknowledged that India's differently-abled brothers and sisters are making the nation proud across various fields. He recalled that India's first Paralympic gold medalist, Murli Kant Petkar, won gold in swimming at the 1972 Summer Paralympics. Similarly, Satyendra Singh Lohia became the first Indian differently-abled athlete to cross the English Channel in just 12 hours. Dhami noted that para-archer Sheetal Devi, despite being without hands, won a gold medal at the World Para Archery Championship, proving that weaknesses can be transformed into strengths. Additionally, the Indian women's blind cricket team brought glory to the country by winning the T20 Blind Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 held in Colombo.
Recent Achievements in Paralympic Sports
Furthermore, Dhami highlighted that Avani Lekhara won a gold medal in shooting at the Tokyo Paralympics, while Sumit Antil secured gold in javelin throw, establishing India's dominance on the global stage. In the 2024 Paris Paralympics, Indian athletes made history by winning 29 medals. At the 2025 Asian Youth Para Games held in Dubai, Indian players clinched 110 medals, showcasing that Indian Paralympic athletes are second to none. He also mentioned Padma Shri awardee Deepa Malik, who was present at the event, as the first Indian female Paralympian to win a silver medal in shot put at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. Dhami praised her as a successful biker, swimmer, and car rally driver, noting her journey as incredibly inspiring.