PM Modi expresses sincere support to the Indian contingent for the Paralympics: 'You are going to Paris as representatives of India'

Aug. 20, 2024, 7:04 a.m.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the Indian athletes going to Paris Paralympics 2024 to “give their best” at the global event and not worry about the results. The PM also added that the country’s pride will be “related” to what Indian athletes achieve at the Paralympics.

The Paralympics are scheduled to begin on August 28 and conclude on September 8, with a record 84 athletes representing India in the French capital.

Advertisement During his online interaction on Monday, PM Modi addressed both first-time Paralympians and previous winners.

"Your journey is as crucial to the nation as it is for your personal and professional growth. Our country's pride will be connected to your accomplishments. An entire nation is behind you."

“1.4 billion Indians are sending you their best wishes. May you achieve victory. Just like your achievements at the Asian and Tokyo Paralympics, I hope you all set new records in Paris,” PM Modi expressed in his address to the Paralympians.

Paris Paralympics: Full list of 84 Indian athletes He continued, “You are all representing India on the global stage. This will be a truly significant chapter in your lives and careers.” The first athlete Modi interacted with was para-archer Sheetal Devi, the youngest member of the Indian contingent at 17, participating in her first Paralympics.

“Stay calm. Don't focus on winning or losing. Just give it your all. The entire country will be behind you,” PM Modi advised Sheetal.

“There's no pressure. I've been training very well. I'm determined to see the Indian flag raised high in Paris,” Sheetal stated.

Advertisement Rifle shooter from Rajasthan, Avani Lekhara , was the next athlete to engage with the PM, who reminisced about her accomplishments at the last games in Tokyo three years ago.

“Sir, my previous Paralympics was my first. I participated in four events and gained valuable experience. This cycle has allowed me to mature significantly in my sport, both technically and strategically. My goal this time is to give my best in the events I am competing in.

A heartwarming meeting with the Indian athletes competing in the @Paralympics. #CheerForIndia https://t.co/y3MZ43PGtZ

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 19, 2024 Advertisement “The support that I got from the country, from you since the Tokyo Games has motivated me to do better. But there is also a responsibility that comes with it, to go there and give my best,” Avani said.

How have things transformed since Tokyo and how did you maintain your drive for more success, the prime minister asked the shooter.

“Sir, when I competed in the previous edition there was a sense of doubt, whether I would be able to achieve it or not. But then when I won two medals, that doubt vanished.

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High jumper Mariyappan Thangavelu stated his ambition to upgrade his Tokyo silver medal to a gold in Paris.

“This time, I am 100 percent confident of winning gold. I am currently training in Germany.” World record holder javelin thrower Sumit Antil, hailing from Sonipat, Haryana, expressed his admiration for double Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra as a source of motivation.

“Sumit, the soil of Sonipat itself is truly exceptional, producing world record-breaking athletes. You are a source of inspiration for the entire nation,” PM conveyed to Antil.

Modi posed a question to taekwondo athlete Aruna Tanwar regarding the impact her father has had on her journey.

Advertisement “Without my family's backing, I couldn't even participate in a regular competition. And now, I'm going to my second Paralympics. My father has been there for me from the beginning, and my mother has been a constant source of support.”

“There is societal pressure, and people perceive us differently, believing that I can't accomplish anything. However, my parents have always instilled in me the belief that I can achieve a great deal,” shared Aruna.

The prime minister then inquired about the athletes' methods for managing their athletic commitments alongside their academic pursuits.

Rudransh Khandelwal, the 16-year-old shooter from Bharatpur, Rajasthan, decided to answer.

“Sir, I finished my 12th grade exams this year and I passed with a good score, 83 percent. It was a busy time as the World Cup was also happening in New Delhi, and I was balancing both commitments.”

"I believe both education and sports play a significant role in life. Because sports mold your character and enhance your daily life," Rudransh said.

Satisfied with the response, the Prime Minister inquired about the impact of hosting the inaugural Khelo India Para Games last December on the athletes.

Bhavina Patel, a table tennis player from Mehsana, Gujarat, expressed the immense benefits she has received from the program.

“The Khelo India initiative has significantly contributed to the growth of sports in recent years. This program has unearthed numerous talented athletes from the grassroots level. It provides an excellent platform for para-athletes, offering them new opportunities and direction.

“16 athletes who qualified for the Paris Paralympics were part of the Khelo India program,” Bhavina stated.

Modi inquired about the athletes' recovery processes following injuries sustained during tournaments.

Tarun Dhillon, a badminton player from Hisar, used his own experience as an example.

“During the Canada International Tournament in 2022, I suffered a ligament injury during a match. This is a serious injury for a badminton player.”

“I am truly fortunate to be a TOPS athlete. Thanks to this program, SAI officials and the sports team have provided me with significant assistance. I was even flown back to India in business class on a special request, and I received surgery from the renowned Dr. Dinshaw (Pardiwala) in Mumbai.”

During their discussion, Modi mentioned that a specialized recovery center has been established for all Indian athletes at the Games Village in Paris.

“I am confident that this recovery center will prove to be extremely valuable for all of you,” the Prime Minister stated.

With PTI inputs