In a proud moment for the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Indian athletes who participated in the Paris Paralympics 2024. The para-athletes, who showcased exceptional talent and determination at the games, were invited by the Prime Minister to his residence on September 12. The event was a celebration of their hard work and achievements, with PM Modi personally congratulating each athlete, especially the medal winners.
India’s Best-Ever Performance in the Paralympics
India’s para-athletes delivered an outstanding performance at the Paris Paralympics 2024, winning a total of 29 medals – the highest ever for the country in these games. The medal tally included 7 golds, 9 silvers, and 13 bronze medals, surpassing India’s previous best of 19 medals at the Tokyo Paralympics. Over 80 athletes represented India this year, making it the largest contingent in India’s Paralympic history.
A Special Gift from Harvinder Singh
Among the athletes who met PM Modi, Harvinder Singh, who created history by winning India’s first gold medal in archery at the Paralympics, had a special moment with the Prime Minister. Harvinder presented his bow and arrow, which he used in the competition, as a token of appreciation to PM Modi. The gesture was deeply symbolic of the dedication and hard work that went into his achievement.
Harvinder shared his thoughts after the meeting, expressing his admiration for the Prime Minister’s interest and involvement in sports. He mentioned that PM Modi interacted with all the athletes, not just the medal winners, and also spoke with the support staff who played a crucial role behind the scenes.
Mona Patel’s Dream Come True
For Mona Patel, who won a bronze medal in rifle shooting, the meeting was a dream come true. Mona had always wished to meet PM Modi, and her dream was realized when she had a personal interaction with him. The Prime Minister’s warmth and attention to detail were evident when he asked her about her child and family, a gesture that deeply touched her.
Inspiration for the Future
Not only did PM Modi celebrate the victories of the medal winners, but he also encouraged athletes like Sonal Patel, who, despite not winning a medal, received praise from the Prime Minister. Sonal shared that PM Modi’s words motivated her to aim for success in the next games. This personal attention and support from the Prime Minister are believed to inspire athletes to keep striving for excellence in future competitions.
Modi’s Continuous Support for Sports in India
PM Modi has been an ardent supporter of Indian sports and athletes. This meeting with the Paralympians follows a series of such interactions where the Prime Minister has taken time to personally congratulate and motivate Indian sportspersons. In July, he met with the Indian cricket team after their victory in the T20 World Cup, and last month, he welcomed the Olympic medalists to his residence. The Prime Minister’s continued involvement underscores his commitment to fostering a strong sporting culture in India.
Record-Breaking Achievement by Indian Para-Athletes
This year’s Paralympics saw India’s largest participation ever, with over 80 athletes competing in various sports. Their combined efforts led to the country’s best performance in the history of the Paralympic Games. India’s athletes broke their own previous record from the Tokyo Paralympics, where the country had won 19 medals.
The team’s hard work, dedication, and success are a testament to the growing support and infrastructure for para-sports in India. With 29 medals, including historic wins like Harvinder Singh’s gold in archery, India has cemented its place as a rising force in global Paralympic competitions.
