- India won 29 medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, including seven golds.
- PM Modi hosted and interacted with the medal-winning athletes.
- Paralympians received cash rewards for their achievements from the government.
India’s Paralympic athletes returned from the 2024 Paris Games after a historic performance, winning 29 medals, surpassing the 19 medals earned at the Tokyo Games.
During the hour-long meeting, athletes like Sumit Antil, Suhas Yathiraj, and Mona Agarwal shared their experiences, with many expressing their admiration for PM Modi’s encouragement.
India’s Paralympic Heroes Meet PM Modi After Historic Paris Performance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed India’s Paralympians at his residence following their remarkable achievement at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. The contingent, which won a record 29 medals, including seven golds, nine silvers, and 13 bronzes, was hailed by the Prime Minister, who acknowledged their determination and spirit in pushing India’s standing in global sports.
Avani Lekhara, who retained her gold in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event, presented a signed t-shirt to PM Modi as a thank-you for his unwavering support. The gesture underscored the special bond between the athletes and the Prime Minister, who has consistently championed Indian sports stars after their major tournaments.
The gathering was an opportunity for the para-athletes to not only celebrate their victories but also share their personal stories and challenges with the country’s leadership. Gold medalist Sumit Antil, in particular, shared a light-hearted exchange with the Prime Minister, highlighting the upbeat mood of the event.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and PCI President Devendra Jhajharia also praised the athletes for their contribution to India’s growing prominence in para-sports. The Indian government further rewarded the medalists with substantial cash prizes, reinforcing the importance of supporting para-sport athletes and fostering an environment of encouragement for future competitions.
The celebration of India‘s Paralympians by Prime Minister Modi was a heartwarming reminder of the government’s commitment to fostering excellence in sports, ensuring athletes receive the recognition and support they deserve.
“When we go to the Paralympics, we wait for two moments – one is when we get a medal and another is when we get to meet PM Modi after we come back to India,” — Suhas Yathiraj.
