PM Modi Lauded for Boosting India's Para-Sports Ahead of 2028 Paralympics
Praise for PM Modi's Support of Para-Athletes
The president of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), Devendra Jhajharia, along with India's para-athletics head coach, KR Satyanarayana, expressed their gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his encouragement of para-athletes and his commitment to the advancement of para-sports in India. They conveyed optimism about India's prospects at the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games. During a recent gathering at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New Delhi, PM Modi congratulated the members of India's Asian Para Games 2026 team for their remarkable achievement of finishing fourth with a record total of 114 medals in Aichi-Nagoya.
Confidence in Future Performances
Jhajharia noted that PM Modi's engagement with para-athletes significantly uplifts their spirits, attributing India's success at the Asian Para Games to government initiatives and enhanced facilities. He expressed strong belief that India would achieve historic results at the 2028 Paralympics, highlighting that preparations commenced three years ago. 'The PM's meetings with our para-athletes instill great enthusiasm. He acknowledged their achievements today, noting India's impressive rise from just one gold medal in 2010 to 30 golds in 2026. This transformation is due to initiatives like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme and Khelo India Para Games,' he stated.
Optimism for the 2028 Games
Looking ahead to the Los Angeles Games, Jhajharia emphasized that the groundwork laid over the past three years would lead to outstanding performances. 'Gone are the days when we prepared for the Olympics just six months in advance. PM Modi is dedicated to providing athletes with the necessary facilities, and our para-athletes are poised to excel in LA,' he remarked. Satyanarayana echoed these sentiments, crediting PM Modi for elevating the status of Paralympic sports and ensuring greater recognition for para-athletes. He expressed confidence that India would surpass its previous medal tally of 29 at the 2028 Games, with many athletes likely to secure multiple medals.
Reflecting on the Success of the Asian Para Games 2026
India concluded the Asian Para Games 2026 with an impressive medal tally of 30 gold, 35 silver, and 49 bronze, exceeding its prior record of 108 medals from the 2022 Hangzhou Games. The contingent consisted of 168 para-athletes, a notable reduction from the 309 participants in the last edition. The event showcased several outstanding performances, including Nitesh Kumar's victory in para-badminton and Harvinder Singh's gold in para-archery. Additionally, India achieved world records in para-athletics, further solidifying its position as a rising power in para-sports.