New Delhi: On November 5, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with India’s para-athletes at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New Delhi, congratulating the contingent for its historic performance at the Asian Para Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
India won 114 medals, including 30 gold, 35 silver and 49 bronze, along with five world records and nine Asian records.
Highlighting India’s remarkable progress in para-sports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted that the country’s medal tally had increased from just 14 medals, including one gold, in 2010 to 114 in 2026. He also highlighted that 34 of the 56 female athletes won medals, while Indian para-athletes swept all three podium positions in four events.
PM Modi praised Mona Agarwal’s world-record performance in para-shooting, Haney’s record-breaking feat and the determination of athletes in overcoming challenges.
Modi also highlighted the approval of the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme worth over ₹1,800 crore, aimed at strengthening domestic sports manufacturing, supporting MSMEs and generating employment. He urged the industry to promote Made-in-India sports equipment, apparel and footwear in international markets.
Highlighting government efforts to strengthen India’s sports ecosystem, PM Modi highlighted the initiatives such as Khelo India, grassroots-level sports centers and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). Athletes supported under TOPS won 41 medals, while participants from Khelo India secured 19 medals. Among India’s 61 debutants, 36 won medals.
Modi urged para-athletes to prepare for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics, describing their Asian Para Games success as a stepping stone towards greater achievements. He noted that Avani and Manish had already secured quotas.
(PIB)
