In a spirited display of national pride, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed India’s outstanding Paralympians to his residence on Thursday, honoring their remarkable achievement of clinching 29 medals at the recently concluded Paris Games. This historic haul marks India’s best-ever performance at the Paralympics, surpassing the previous record of 19 medals set in Tokyo three years ago.
During a heartfelt 43-second video shared by the Ministry of Sports, PM Modi extended his congratulations to the athletes before engaging in a meaningful dialogue with them. Present at the meeting were Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Devendra Jhajharia, head of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), underscoring the government’s commitment to supporting these trailblazers.
Among the celebrated athletes was wheelchair shooter Avani Lekhara, who secured her second consecutive Paralympic gold in the women’s 10m air rifle (SH1) event. Visually-impaired judoka Kapil Parmar, India’s first Paralympic medalist in judo, also stood alongside Modi, receiving his medal signature in a proud moment.
One of the highlights of the interaction was the touching exchange between PM Modi and javelin thrower Navdeep Singh. The 23-year-old, competing in the F41 classification due to dwarfism, presented a cap to the Prime Minister, who reciprocated by signing Navdeep’s throwing arm. The camaraderie peaked when Modi playfully referenced a viral video capturing Navdeep’s spirited post-throw expletives during the Games.
In another display of resilience and creativity, armless para-archer Sheetal Devi, who earned a bronze medal alongside Rakesh Kumar in the mixed team compound event, gifted Modi an autographed jersey—uniquely signed with her feet. This gesture highlighted the athletes’ indomitable spirit and innovative approaches to overcoming challenges.
The athletes expressed deep gratitude and affection for the Prime Minister. Yogesh Kathuniya, silver medalist in the discus throw F56 class, poignantly stated, “For everyone, PM means Prime Minister, but for all of us, PM means param mitra (close friend).” Such sentiments echoed the collective appreciation felt by the team for the nation’s leadership.
India’s Paralympic contingent, comprising 84 athletes, achieved a stunning collection of seven gold, nine silver, and 13 bronze medals. The team’s success included groundbreaking firsts, such as medals in athletics track events and a gold in archery by Harvinder Singh. These accomplishments have not only elevated India’s standing in the Paralympic arena but also inspired countless aspiring athletes across the country.
Upon their return, the Paralympians were celebrated by the government, with Sports Minister Mandaviya announcing monetary rewards: Rs 75 lakh for gold medalists, Rs 50 lakh for silver winners, and Rs 30 lakh for bronze medalists. Athletes excelling in mixed team events, like Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar, received an additional Rs 22.5 lakh, further recognizing their collective efforts.
Prime Minister Modi’s meeting with the Paralympians serves as a testament to India’s growing recognition and support for athletes with disabilities. As the nation revels in this unprecedented success, the spotlight now shines brightly on these heroes, whose dedication and excellence continue to redefine the boundaries of sports.
