Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Honors Indian Para-Athletes for Paris 2024 Paralympics Success

Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya celebrated the Indian Para-athletics team's return after their stellar performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. He honored athletes, coaches, and staff, highlighting their inspirational journey. Among the athletes were debutants, including Deepthi Jeevanji, who earned a bronze medal in the Women's 400m T20 category.

Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday paid tribute to members of the Indian Para-athletics contingent following their impressive performances at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Mandaviya felicitated the athletes, coaches, and support staff during an official ceremony.

Addressing the contingent, Mandaviya expressed admiration and appreciation for their exemplary achievements. 'I am thrilled to meet six Paralympics debutant athletes today. I want to congratulate Deepthi on winning a medal in her very first participation in this prestigious event. To the others, I wish you success in future Paralympics and remind you that your journey itself is a triumph,' Mandaviya said as per a PIB release.

The event honored athletes such as Deepthi Jeevanji, who claimed bronze in the Women's 400m T20 on her debut. Other debutants included Ravi Rongali (Men's Shotput F40), Rakshita Raju (Women's 1500m T11), Kanchan Lakhani (Women's Discus Throw F53), Sakshi Kasana (Women's Discus Throw F55), and Manu (Men's Shotput F37). Their coaches Rahul Balakrishna, Suresh Kumar Kuruba, Sunil Lakhani, and their escort were also acknowledged.

Deepthi, discovered by SAI coach N Ramesh in Hyderabad, began her para-athletics journey in 2019. As a TOPS athlete since 2018 and a Khelo India athlete, she has amassed several international accolades, including a gold at the Asian Para Games and the 2024 World Championship where she broke the world record. She continues to shine domestically with medals from the 2020 Khelo India Youth Games. Following the felicitation, Deepthi expressed joy and future aspirations, stating, 'I am so happy that I could win a medal for the country. I won a bronze medal now, but I will try to win a gold next time,' as reported by the release.

(With inputs from agencies.)