Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today interacted with the Indian contingent that participated in the Asian Para Games 2026 at Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New Delhi. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister stated that he had been eagerly waiting to meet the Para-Asian Games athletes after interacting with the Asian Games contingent a few weeks ago, and noted that their magnificent performance reflects India's rapid emergence as a major global sporting power. Congratulating the players on behalf of 140 crore citizens and felicitating their families, trainers, and coaches for their vital contributions, he stated that the athletes have won both medals on a grand stage and the hearts of millions across the nation.

Contrasting past eras when India's sporting participation was treated as a mere formality and the country lagged in para-sports with just one gold and 14 total medals at the 2010 Para Asian Games, the Prime Minister highlighted the contingent's historic leap to 114 medals comprising 30 gold, 35 silver, and 49 bronze alongside five world records and nine Asian records. Noting that 34 of the 56 female athletes won medals, Indian players swept all three podium spots in four events, and the contingent clinched nine gold medals on the final day alone, he praised their relentless drive to keep winning until the very end of the tournament. “This journey from 14 to 114 medals is the result of the pinnacle of your hard work,” observed PM Modi.

Spotlighting maiden gold medals won by Indian athletes in several events where the country had never succeeded before, the Prime Minister noted that Mona Agarwal set a world record in para shooting while Haney broke his own previous world record. “Through their performance, Himanshu, Ravi, and Jehan showed the world how physical challenges are to be defeated,” noted Shri Modi.

Observing that while the world witnesses the brilliance of individual or collective victory, the grand edifice of success rests on years of unseen toil, sweat, and unwavering penance, the Prime Minister recalled how athlete Rinku maintained his courage after losing his mother just two months before the Asian Para Games and honored her memory by lifting her photograph upon winning gold. “That moment made all of us emotional,” remarked PM Modi.

Describing the athletes' struggles and triumphs as deeply inspiring, the Prime Minister pointed out the close parallel between their personal journeys and the nation's own developmental trajectory. “Today your efforts and the country's efforts are coming together to become an unstoppable force,” affirmed Shri Modi.

the Prime Minister stated that just as the athletes refused to bow before adversity, the nation resolved to overhaul the system so youth talent would not go to waste, instilling confidence among young athletes that the country stands firmly behind them. Pointing to India's growing dominance in archery, athletics, shooting, swimming, table tennis, badminton, judo, and powerlifting, he noted that 36 of the 61 debutants at the Asian Para Games won medals while Sandeep set a world record on his debut. “This participation of the youth is both a picture of today's India and a proclamation of the India of the future,” asserted PM Modi.

Emphasizing that the government views sports not merely as national and international tournaments but as a vital medium for personality development and nation-building, the Prime Minister stated that athletics imparts essential life values to young citizens. “It is sports alone that teach the youth how to win after losing and explain the meaning of discipline and team spirit,” remarked Shri Modi.

Detailing efforts to build a modern sports ecosystem through school and grassroots campaigns, numerous Khelo India Centres, and Olympic-standard training under the TOPS scheme, the Prime Minister recalled his recent call from the Red Fort inviting youth to participate in a nationwide talent hunt campaign with an eye on the Olympics. “With this very vision, we are building a modern sports ecosystem for the country,” asserted PM Modi.

Highlighting that para-sports receive equal priority within these national initiatives to help athletes shine at major global events, the Prime Minister pointed to the tangible outcomes achieved at the recent tournament. “In this competition, players receiving assistance from TOPS won 41 medals, and Khelo India players won 19 medals, which shows that our efforts are moving forward in the right direction,” noted Shri Modi.

Observing that India's modern sports policies are generating wide-ranging youth opportunities beyond the playing field, the Prime Minister pointed to the rapid expansion of sports infrastructure construction, equipment manufacturing, and the broadcasting economy. “Today modern policies regarding sports in India are creating numerous new opportunities for the youth in the world of sports even outside the field,” observed PM Modi.

Noting the recent approval of the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme worth over 1,800 crore rupees, the Prime Minister called upon the domestic sports manufacturing industry to ensure that athletes worldwide step onto the field wearing Made-in-India gear, apparel, and footwear, thereby strengthening MSMEs and creating jobs in small towns and rural areas. “We want India to produce world-class players and also manufacture world-class sports equipment,” asserted Shri Modi.

Urging the athletes during their upcoming visits to schools, colleges, and institutions to mentor youth on both on-field victory and off-field sports careers while highlighting government initiatives for Divyangjans, the Prime Minister noted the recent Cabinet decision increasing disability pensions, lowering the eligibility threshold from 80 percent to 40 percent, and extending pension coverage from birth rather than age 18, alongside creating a 10,000-word Indian Sign Language dictionary, providing sign-language schoolbooks, and making public spaces accessible under the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan. “Our effort is that every Divyang brother and sister of the country gets respect, gets equal opportunities, and can move forward in life on the strength of their capability,” affirmed PM Modi.

Reminding the contingent that the Aichi-Nagoya podium is a launching pad rather than the final destination as India sets its sights on the Los Angeles 2028 Games, for which Avani and Manish have already secured quotas, the Prime Minister urged the athletes to celebrate their triumph and immediately begin preparations to ensure record participation and medal hauls in 2028 before concluding with his best wishes. “The country is with you, and the entire country is waiting for your next victory,” affirmed Shri Modi.

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MJPS/SS/PRK