Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Indian medalists from the recent Asian Para Games, praising the athletes for their resilience and achievements. During the meeting held on Thursday in New Delhi, the Prime Minister highlighted the team’s haul of 114 medals, which included 30 gold, 35 silver, and 49 bronze, as a source of national inspiration.
The event, as reported by Hindi news agency Bhasha, featured several prominent athletes, including armless archer Sheetal Devi—who secured two gold medals—and visually impaired sprinter Simran. Also in attendance were Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse.
Shifting support for para-athletes
Addressing the athletes, Prime Minister Modi remarked on the changing societal perception of sports as a career path. He noted that in the past, parents were often reluctant to support their children’s athletic ambitions due to a lack of institutional backing. “People used to say that nothing could be done with a system that did not support talent, but just as you did not give up, we remained committed to our goals,” the Prime Minister stated.
He emphasized that the government had moved to restructure the support systems that previously hindered progress for aspiring competitors. According to the Prime Minister, the current environment is designed to ensure that youth talent is not wasted, fostering a belief among athletes that the country stands behind their efforts.
Expanding India’s presence in competitive sports
The Prime Minister observed that India’s competitive footprint is broadening beyond traditional strongholds. He pointed to advancements in disciplines where the nation’s representation was previously limited, such as archery, athletics, shooting, swimming, table tennis, badminton, judo, and powerlifting. These sports have begun to produce new champions, a trend highlighted by the fact that 61 athletes made their debut at the most recent Asian Para Games.
The Asian Para Games were held in Aichi-Nagoya.
