PM Modi Applauds Indian Para Athletes for Their Remarkable Achievements
PM Modi Praises Para Athletes
On Thursday, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Khadse, stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's engagement with Indian para-athletes serves as a source of motivation, inspiring youth across the nation to pursue sports. She emphasized the significant role para-athletes play in India's sporting narrative.
Government's Commitment to Sports
During a conversation, Khadse highlighted that PM Modi's personal interactions with para-athletes not only inspire them but also encourage young individuals to engage in sports. She assured that the government is dedicated to providing essential facilities for athletes. Khadse expressed optimism that Indian para-athletes would excel and secure medals at the upcoming Los Angeles Games, recalling the impressive 114 medals won at the Asian Para Games.
"PM Modi knows many athletes by name and engages with them personally. Their success motivates the youth, and they learn from these athletes. For us, para-athletes hold equal importance as other athletes. The Prime Minister has made efforts to connect with athletes and inspire them, while the government ensures they receive the facilities they deserve. As we aim to be a sporting nation, the youth are encouraged to take up sports and strive for medals for India. Our country is now excelling in various sports beyond cricket, and medals are being won. The Government of India is committed to promoting sports among the youth," she stated.
"We are confident that our para-athletes and other athletes will perform exceptionally well in LA and win medals. Our para-athletes achieved 114 medals," she added.
Historic Success at the Asian Para Games
India concluded the Asian Para Games 2026 with a remarkable tally of 30 gold, 35 silver, and 49 bronze medals, surpassing its previous record of 108 medals from the 2022 Hangzhou edition. The Indian contingent consisted of 168 para-athletes, a significant reduction from the 309 who participated in the last Games.
The campaign showcased several outstanding performances across various disciplines. In para-badminton, reigning Paralympic champion Nitesh Kumar triumphed over compatriot Pramod Bhagat in the men's singles SL3 final to secure gold, while Thulasimathi Murugesan and Manasi Joshi won the women's doubles SL3-SU5 title.
In para-archery, Harvinder Singh and Vijay Sundi clinched gold in men's recurve doubles, while Pooja Jatyan and Bhawna Choudhary earned silver in the women's event.
India also achieved world-record performances in para-athletics, with Haney winning gold in the men's javelin F37/38 and Sandeep taking the men's 400m T64 title.
The country swept all three medals in the men's javelin F42-F44/F61-F64 event, with Sumit winning gold, Mahendra Gurjar silver, and Sandip Sanjay Sargar bronze.
Mona Agarwal made history in para-shooting by winning gold in the women's 50m rifle 3 positions SH1, setting both world and Asian Para Games records.
India's impressive 114-medal haul marks its best performance at the continental event, further showcasing the nation's growing prowess in para-sports.