Indian Paralympic Heroes Meet PM Modi After Record-Breaking Campaign

The Indian Paralympic team met Prime Minister Narendra Modi after returning from the Paris Paralympics, where they achieved a historic 29-medal haul. Athletes expressed pride and excitement, attributing their success to PM Modi's continuous support and motivation.

The Indian contingent of the Paris Paralympics departed from their New Delhi hotel on Thursday morning to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The athletes had returned to India on Tuesday following a record-breaking performance at the Paris Paralympics.

Bronze medalist Simran Sharma told ANI that meeting PM Modi is a matter of pride. She highlighted the Prime Minister's support, saying, 'It feels great, this is a matter of pride for us. PM speaks to us even before we leave to play our game, making us feel special. Perhaps that is why we are receiving a lot of support, and the medal tally improved to 29.' Simran revealed she would gift her spikes to the Prime Minister.

Para javelin-thrower Sumit Antil praised PM Modi's motivation that has driven the team. 'The entire contingent is very happy and excited. He motivated us in the past, and today, we will come back motivated for our upcoming events. His support feels like family.' Antil said the meeting with the Prime Minister is a significant morale booster for the athletes.

Gold medalist Harvinder Singh, who excelled in para-archery, expressed his happiness about meeting PM Modi. 'This is a historic medal for the country. I am happy to meet the PM today and will gift him one of my arrows used in the final,' said Singh.

Para-discus thrower Yogesh Kathuniya pointed out that such interactions will benefit them in the long run. 'We are excited to celebrate our victory with PM Modi. His personal engagement fills a spark in our lives that will help us in the long run. I am gifting him my discus,' he said.

Gold medalist Navdeep Singh shared the collective pride in meeting the Prime Minister, emphasizing the honor and excitement among the contingent.

Para-archer Sheetal Devi noted that PM Modi has always been a source of motivation and blessing for the athletes. 'I am very happy we are meeting PM Modi. He has always motivated and blessed us,' she said.

The Indian contingent concluded their Paris Paralympics campaign on Sunday with a record haul of 29 medals, including seven golds, nine silvers, and 13 bronzes. This achievement surpasses India's previous record of 19 medals from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, securing the 18th position in the event.

(With inputs from agencies.)