Harvinder Singh Gifts Arrow to PM Modi, Indian Paralympians Motivated

Gold medallist Harvinder Singh gifted his Paralympic arrow to PM Modi during the Indian Paralympic contingent's visit to the PM's residence. With a record 29 medals in Paris, athletes expressed renewed determination and motivation after meeting the Prime Minister.

Paralympic gold medallist Harvinder Singh revealed he gifted the arrow he used in Paris to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Indian contingent of the Paris Paralympics met PM Modi at his residence in the national capital on Thursday.

After the meeting, Harvinder stated that PM Modi spoke to the participants, medal winners, and the staff members who worked behind the scenes to help athletes. 'I gifted my arrow to PM Modi, which I used in the Paralympics. PM Modi motivated us a lot, and he congratulated our team. He spoke to the medal winner, participants, and also the sports staff,' Harvinder told ANI.

Harvinder secured India's first-ever gold medal in para-archery at the Paralympics, defeating Poland's Lukasz Ciszek in a dominating 6-0 straight-set win in the gold medal match. Para table tennis athlete Sonal Patel also shared her renewed motivation after meeting PM Modi.

Sonal recently competed in the Paralympics but did not secure a medal. She shared her experience and the encouragement she received from the Prime Minister. 'It felt really good talking to PM Modi today. Although I could not win a medal this time, I am extremely motivated after talking to PM Modi. He told us that participating in the Paralympics is also a very big thing. We will work hard and make sure to win a medal next time,' Patel said.

The Indian contingent concluded its historic Paralympics campaign in Paris with a record haul of 29 medals, including seven golds, nine silvers, and 13 bronzes. The 29-medal tally is the most by India in Paralympic history, surpassing its previous record of 19 medals from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. India finished the marquee event in 18th position. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)