Presenter: Namaskar, Sir. First of all, we will speak with Sheetal Devi, our archer. Sheetal Devi, please.

Prime Minister: Namaste, Sheetal.

Sheetal: Namaste, Sir. Jai Mata Di.

Prime Minister: Jai Mata Di.

Sheetal: I am Sheetal.

Prime Minister: Sheetal, you are the youngest athlete in the Indian team, and this will be your first Paralympics. You must have a lot going on in your mind. Can you share what's on your mind? Are you feeling any stress?

Sheetal: No, Sir, I am not stressed. I am very happy that at such a young age and in such a short time, I am going to play in the Paralympics. It is indeed a matter of great happiness, Sir, that at such a young age and in such a short time, I am competing in the Paralympics. I would also like to say that the Shrine Board has played a significant role in supporting me. Their support, as well as everyone else's, has been incredible. That’s how I got here, Sir.

Prime Minister: Alright, Sheetal. What is your goal for the Paris Paralympics, and how have you prepared for it?

Sheetal: Yes, Sir. My preparation is going very well, and my training is going great too, Sir. My goal is to make the Indian flag wave here and to have our anthem played. That is my goal, Sir. Beyond that, I have nothing else.

Prime Minister: Sheetal, as I mentioned earlier, you are the youngest in this team. My advice to you is not to take the pressure of such a big event. Perform your best without worrying about winning or losing. The entire country, and I, are with you. And you always have the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi. So, all the best from my side.

Sheetal: Thank you, Sir. Mata Rani has indeed blessed me, which is why I have reached here in such a short time. I have received a lot of blessings, Sir, from Mata Rani. And, Sir, it's due to the prayers of all Indians that I have reached here so quickly. I also have your blessings, Sir. Thank you, Sir.

Prime Minister: Best wishes.

Presenter: Ms. Avani Lekhara.

Prime Minister: Namaste, Avani.

Avani Lekhara: Namaskar, Sir!

Prime Minister: Avani, you won a gold medal along with another medal in the last Paralympics, making the entire country proud. What is your target this time?

Avani Lekhara: Sir, last time was my first Paralympics, and I participated in four events to gain experience. This time, I have gained a lot more maturity, both in sport and technique, during this Olympic cycle. I will aim to give my best in the events I am participating in this time as well. The support and love I have received from all over India, especially after the last Paralympics, and your support too, Sir, has been very motivating. It also brings a sense of responsibility to go there and do my best.

Prime Minister: Avani, how did life change after your victory in Tokyo? How did you keep yourself continuously prepared for the next competition?

Avani Lekhara: Sir, when I participated last time, there was a barrier in my mind about whether I could do it or not. But after winning two medals, that barrier broke, and I realized that if I can do it once, I can do it again with hard work. And when I participate for India, especially in a wheelchair, and represent the country, it feels so good that I always want to do it again.

Prime Minister: Avani, you have high expectations of yourself, and the country also has high expectations of you. But I would just say, don't let these expectations become a burden. Let these expectations become your strength. Best wishes to you.

Avani Lekhara: Thank you, Sir!

Presenter: Mr. Mariyappan Thangavelu.

Mariyappan Thangavelu: Vanakkam, Sir.

Prime Minister: Mariyappan ji, Vanakkam. Mariyappan, you won a silver medal at the Tokyo Paralympics. This time, you must be targeting to turn that silver into gold. What did you learn from your past experiences?

Mariyappan: Sir, I am training in Germany. The training is going well. Last time, there was a small mistake, and I got silver. This time, I will bring gold 100 percent.

Prime Minister: Sure?

Mariyappan: Sure, Sir, 100 percent.

Prime Minister: Mariyappan, you are both an athlete and a coach. When you look at the number of para-athletes in 2016 and now, there has been a significant increase. How do you view this change?

Mariyappan: Sir, I entered the Paralympics for the first time in 2016. I was a bit scared, thinking I might not win the gold, but I did. After winning gold, the entire staff and the Paralympic community supported me. Seeing the support I received, many more people got involved in sports. Now, we should aim for 100 medals for India. This time, it will happen, Sir.

Prime Minister: Mariyappan, we are trying our best to ensure that our athletes lack nothing. You should just focus on your performance. The country is with you. Best wishes to you.

Mariyappan: Thank you, Sir.

Presenter: Mr. Sumit Antil.

Prime Minister: Namaste, Sumit.

Sumit Antil: Namaste, Sir. Thank you, Sir.

Prime Minister: Sumit, you have set world records one after another by winning gold medals at the Asian Para Games and the Tokyo Paralympics. Where do you get the motivation to break your own records?

Sumit Antil: Sir, I feel that there is no shortage of inspiration in India. We have legends like our PCI President Devendra Jhajharia, Neeraj Chopra, and many other athletes who have brought glory to the nation before me. I get inspiration from them, Sir. But more than inspiration, it is self-discipline and self-motivation that have played a bigger role in breaking world records back-to-back, Sir.

Prime Minister: Sumit, you see, the soil of Sonipat is very special. Many world record holders and athletes like you have emerged from there. How much has Haryana's sports culture helped you?

Sumit Antil: Absolutely, Sir. The way people here support and the way the government supports it has a huge impact. That is why so many athletes from Haryana represent the country on the international stage and bring glory to the nation. The government’s support has also been significant, Sir, and, I think the sports culture that has been created here has been very beneficial, Sir.

Prime Minister: Sumit, you are a world champion. Even more than that, you are an inspiration to the entire country. My best wishes will always be with you. Keep up your excellent performance. The whole country stands with you. Many, many best wishes!

Sumit Antil: Thank you very much, Sir.

Presenter: Ms. Aruna Tanwar.

Aruna Tanwar: Namaskar, Sir! I wish you a very happy Raksha Bandhan!

Prime Minister: Aruna ji, my best wishes to you as well!

Aruna Tanwar: Thank you, Sir!

Prime Minister: Aruna, I have heard that your father played a big role in your success. Can you tell us about his support and your journey?

Aruna Tanwar: Sir, we can’t even play a normal tournament without family’s support. I am about to participate in the Paralympics for the second time. My father has always been very supportive, as has my mother, Sir, because when there is social pressure, people see a ‘Divyang’ (a person with disability) as someone who can’t achieve anything. But my parents made me believe that I can achieve a lot. Today, Sir, I am not considered any less than my brothers in my house. My mother says that we are three brothers. So, my family has always supported me, Sir.

Prime Minister: Aruna, you got injured just before an important match during the last Paralympics. How did you keep yourself motivated and overcome that setback?

Aruna Tanwar: Sir, when you represent a major tournament and the country, especially as the only one in that sport… I represented the Taekwondo in the Paralympics, it was tough to be set back by an injury. But an injury cannot stop your game because my aim is much bigger. Without injuries, there’s no fun in sports. Injuries are like an ornament for an athlete. So, it wasn’t too difficult to come back, Sir. I just stayed strong. My coaches, especially Sandhya Bharti Ma’am, and my parents told me that one Paralympics does not decide your future; there are many more to play.

Prime Minister: Aruna, your perspective on viewing injuries as an ornament is truly inspiring. But I hope you don’t have to wear such an ornament again. Aruna, you are a fighter—both in your sport and in life. You have not only won medals for the country but also inspired millions of daughters. Go to Paris with a fighter’s mindset and give a stellar performance. The entire country’s best wishes are with you.

Aruna Tanwar: Thank you so much, Sir.

Prime Minister: Now, I would like to ask a few questions myself, and anyone among you can answer, especially those who have not spoken yet. Many of you are going to Paris for your first Paralympics. Can someone tell me how it feels to represent your country in a global event like this for the first time? Those who haven’t spoken yet, please do!

Ashok Malik: Sir, my name is Ashok! I am going for the first time, Sir! It’s every athlete’s dream...

Prime Minister: What’s your name?

Ashok Malik: Ashok Malik, Sir!

Prime Minister: Ashok ji, yes, please go ahead!

Ashok Malik: Sir, it’s every player’s dream to play in the Olympics, and my dream is about to come true, Sir. I’m going to Paris for the Paralympics to represent my country, Sir. I will do my best there, Sir, and if possible, I will bring a medal back for the country, Sir.

Prime Minister: Ashok, where are you from?

Ashok Malik: From Haryana, Sir, Sonipat!

Prime Minister: From Sonipat, you’re also from Sonipat!

Ashok Malik: Yes, Sir!

Prime Minister: How many of you are going to your second or third Paralympics or more? How different does it feel now compared to your first Paralympics? Who would like to answer?

Amit Saroha: Sir, Namaskar!

Prime Minister: Namaskar ji!

Amit Saroha: Sir, I am Amit Saroha, and this will be my fourth Paralympics. I am the most senior athlete in the team going to the Paralympics for the fourth time. Sir, the biggest change I’ve seen is that when we went in 2012, we only won one medal. After that, I participated in two more Olympics, and our team’s performance kept improving. Now 84 athletes are going, Sir. SAI (Sports Authority of India) has played a big role in this. The support, especially financial, that our team is getting has increased significantly, Sir. Since the introduction of TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) in 2015, we have received so much support that now we can travel and train anywhere abroad. We even have personal coaches, personal physios, and personal supporting staff. Whatever our requirements are, they are being met, and that’s why we are performing so well. This time, we are hoping to win more medals than ever before, Sir.

Prime Minister: I see many young people in this group who are still in school or college. How do you manage your studies along with sports?

Rudransh Khandelwal: My name is Rudransh Khandelwal. I am from Bharatpur, Rajasthan, and this year I gave my 12th board exams and passed with very good marks—I scored 83%. At that time, the World Cup was also going on in New Delhi, so I was managing both things simultaneously. I believe that both education and sports play a very important role in life because sports help in character development and push you to improve daily, and education teaches you how to live life and understand your rights. So, I don't think it's too difficult to manage both, and both are very important.

Prime Minister: Based on suggestions from para-athletes, we organized the Khelo India Para Games for the first time in December 2023. Can someone tell me how such an event helps in the sports ecosystem?

Bhavina: Namaste, Sir!

Prime Minister: Namaste!

Bhavina: Bhavina, Sir.

Prime Minister: Yes, Bhavina, how are you?

Bhavina: I'm good, Sir. How are you?

Prime Minister: Yes, Bhavina, please go ahead!

Bhavina: Sir, the Khelo India campaign has played a significant role in the development of sports in India over the past few years, bringing many talents from the grassroots level to the forefront. Since para sports have been included in Khelo India, para-athletes have received a good platform and new directions. The best example I can give is that 16 athletes from Khelo India have qualified for the Paris Paralympics.

Prime Minister: Wow! Dealing with injuries is a major challenge for athletes. How do para-athletes cope with injuries during their preparation for the Paralympics and stay motivated?

Tarun Dhillon: Sir, Namaste!

Prime Minister: Namaste!

Tarun Dhillon: Sir, my name is Tarun Dhillon. I am from Hisar, Haryana! My sport is badminton, Sir, and regarding the injury you asked about, I'd like to share my experience. Sir, during the 2022 Canada International Tournament, my knee ligament tore during a match, which is a severe injury for a badminton player, Sir, and I'm very fortunate to be a TOPS athlete, Sir. I would like to tell all the athletes and you, Sir, that because I was part of TOPS, the SAI officials and the Sports SAI team helped me a lot during my injury. They arranged a business class plane ticket to bring me back to India for treatment with the best doctor, Dr. Dinshaw in Mumbai. My surgery was done in a very short time, and thanks to SAI's support, I was able to recover and get back to sports. The doctors said it would take 10-11 months to recover, but because of SAI's support, I recovered in 7 months, and in the 8th month, I went to play in an international tournament where I won a gold medal. I believe that, today, middle-class families like ours can easily overcome such big injuries and achieve our dreams in sports because of the TOPS scheme.

Prime Minister: Congratulations to you! Many of you have a large following on social media. Can anyone tell me how social media helps in para sports?

Yogesh Kathuniya: Namaste, Sir! Har Har Mahadev! My name is Yogesh Kathuniya, and I am from Bahadurgarh, Haryana. Social media has had a very positive impact on para sports, especially in raising awareness that wasn't there before. Gradually, people in India are becoming aware that para sports are also a thing, and many new athletes are coming into para sports because of what they see on social media. Many people with disabilities used to think they could only pursue education and other such things, but now we see more and more of them coming into para sports. The visibility of para sports has increased significantly because of social media, and it also provides an opportunity to connect with people. Those who watch our videos get motivated, and upcoming grassroots-level athletes can even incorporate those exercises into their routines. Social media has had a significant impact on the growth of para sports.

Presenter: Sir, we request you to say a few words of encouragement to boost the morale of our athletes. Thank you, Sir.

Prime Minister: The country's Sports Minister Shri Mansukh Mandaviya ji, Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse ji, para-athletes, coaches, and staff present in every corner of the world. I am very pleased to have had the opportunity to chat with you all today. Even though we are in the final coaching stage through video conferencing, I still got the chance to meet you. You all are going to Paris as flag bearers of Bharat. This journey is going to be a very important one in your life and career, and it's equally significant for the country. The pride of the nation is linked with your presence in Paris. Therefore, today, the entire nation is blessing you, and in our tradition, when blessings are given like this, people say, "Vijayi Bhava" (Be Victorious). 140 crore Indians are blessing you—"Vijayi Bhava." Your enthusiasm shows that, like in Tokyo and the Asian Para Games, you are eager to set new records. Go forth and show what courage and determination can achieve. My heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all of you for the Paris Paralympics.

Friends,

When a player reaches such a great stage in any sport, there is an entire story of courage, dedication, and sacrifice behind it. Any player’s foundation is built on confidence. A player advances with the power of discipline. Their success is a testament to their self-confidence and self-control. However, when it comes to para-athletes, this truth and challenge become many times greater. Your reaching this stage shows how strong you are from within. Your success shows that you have the ability to face not just adverse winds but adverse storms. You have overcome society’s established norms, and you have overcome the challenges of your body. Therefore, you are the mantra of success, you are the example of success, and you are the proof of success. Enter the field with full confidence, and then no one can stop you from winning.

Friends,

You all are witnesses to how Bharat’s success and dominance in para-games have increased in recent years. In 2012, Bharat won only one medal at the London Paralympics. We didn’t win any gold. In 2016, Bharat won 2 gold medals and a total of 4 medals in Rio. And... at the Tokyo Paralympics, we won a record 19 medals—5 gold, 8 silver, and 6 bronze. Many of you were part of that contingent and brought medals home. Out of the 31 medals Bharat has won in Paralympic history, 19 came from Tokyo alone. You can imagine how high Bharat has soared in sports and para-games in the last 10 years.

Friends,

Bharat’s achievements in sports reflect the changing perspective of society toward games. There was a time when sports were considered just a pastime, something done by those who had free time. But today, those who play, blossom. Even at home, those who played more were scolded; sports were not seen as a career, but as a hindrance to one. Opportunities in sports were almost non-existent. My Divyang brothers and sisters were also considered weak and dependent. We changed this mindset and created more opportunities for them. Today, para-games receive the same priority as other sports. The 'Khelo India Para Games' has also been launched in the country. A para sports training centre has been established in Gwalior to assist our para-athletes. Our para-athletes are benefiting from the TOPS and Khelo India facilities. I am happy that 50 athletes in this group are associated with the TOPS scheme, and 16 athletes are from Khelo India. Considering your special needs, foreign coaches, experts, and support staff have also been appointed. And this time, you will witness something wonderful in Paris. A special recovery centre has been set up for all of you in the Paris Paralympic Games Village. I hope this recovery centre will be very helpful for you.

Friends,

Paris 2024 Paralympics is special for the country in many ways. Our slots have increased in many sports, and our participation has grown. I believe the Paris Paralympics will prove to be a significant milestone in Bharat’s golden journey. We will meet again when you return home after setting new records. Once again, on behalf of the entire country, I extend my best wishes to all of you. The entire nation is chanting one mantra for you—'Vijayi Bhava' (May you be victorious). Vijayi Bhava. Vijayi Bhava.

Thank you.

DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered in Hindi.

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