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PM Modi interacts with Paralympians, backs them to break records in Paris

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, August 19 wished the best to India’s Paris-bound Paralympians, interacting with the stars of the contingent virtually. PM Modi spoke to first-timers and previous winners from New Delhi and said the nation of a billion and more is hoping for some memorable performances from the athletes in Paris. The Paris Paralympics will be held from August 28 to September 8 in the French capital, which hosted the Olympics earlier in the month.

PM Modi spoke to the likes of archer Sheetal Devi, shooter Avani Lekhara, high-jumper Mariyappan Thangavelu, and javelin star Sumit Antil among others during an hour-long interaction on Monday. The Prime Minister urged the Paralympians to give their best and ensure new records are set and old records are broken at the Paralympics.

“Your journey is as important to the country as it is for you and your careers. Our country’s pride will be related to what you all achieve there. An entire country is rooting for you. 140 crore Indians are sending their blessings to you. Vijay Bhava (May you be victorious). Like you did at the Asian Paralympics and the Tokyo Paralympics, I wish you all create new records in Paris,” PM Modi said in his address to the Paralympians.

The Indian contingent, consisting of 84 athletes across 12 disciplines, is set to compete in the Paralympics scheduled in Paris from August 28 to September 8. PM Modi highlighted that India has grown in Paralympic sports, noting that it won only a medal in London in 2012 and took its tally to 19 in Tokyo three years ago. PM Modi heard from the athletes the stories of their grit and resilience and the support they have received from the government and other stakeholders. PM Modi noted with pride that the inaugural edition of the Khelo India Paralympic Games has helped boost the participation and confidence of the Indian athletes.

SHEETAL DEVI AIMS FOR GOLD

Interacting with 17-year-old para-archer Sheetal Devi, who won compound archery gold at the Asian Games last year, PM Modi urged the teenager to not worry about results and enjoy her maiden Paralympics appearance.

“Don’t take pressure. Don’t think about victory or losing. You give your best. On behalf of the entire country and my behalf, all the best,” he said.

“My preparation has been very good. I want to ensure that the tri-color is flown in Paris and the national anthem is heard while I am on the podium,” Sheetal said.

‘PAKKA SIR, 100 PERCENT’

29-year-old high-jumper Mariyappan Thangavelu assured PM Modi that he will bring home a gold medal from Paris. Thangavelu, who won gold in Rio and silver in Tokyo, said he has been training in Germany and that he is confident of a good show.

“I am training in Germany. It’s going well. Last time, I made a small mistake. I missed the gold, this time I will 100 percent bring the gold medal,” Thangavelu said.

“Pakka? (Sure?).” PM Modi asked.

“Pakka sir, 100 percent,” the high jumper replied.

PM Modi also interacted with shooter Avani Lekhara, who won a gold and silver in Tokyo Paralympics, and asked her to shed light on how life changed after the breakthrough in Tokyo. The 22-year-old responded by saying that a ‘barrier was broken’ when she realised she could be among the best in the Paralympics three years ago.

PM MODI BACKS SUMIT TO SMASH ANOTHER WR

PM Modi also sent his wishes to Sumit Antil and urged the javelin star to break his world record in the Paris Paralympics.

“I think there is no shortage of inspiration in India. Our PCI (Paralympics Committee of India) president Devendra Jhajaria is there. Neeraj is there. These are the ones who have made the country proud before I did. I get it from them. More than inspiration, I worked on my self-discipline and motivation to break the world records,” Sumit said when PM Modi asked him about his source of inspiration.

Sumit Antil is the reigning world record holder in the F64 category. He secured a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics with a world record throw of 68.55 meters. Antil continued his dominance with another gold at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships and set a new world record of 73.29 meters at the 2022 Asian Para Games.

The Prime Minister, who was seemingly enjoying the conversation, also asked the para-athletes about the impact of government support and the role of social media in making a positive effect on their journeys.

India will be hoping to better its tally from Tokyo as the para-athletes gear up to make the country proud once again at the highest level.

Published By:

Akshay Ramesh

Published On:

Aug 19, 2024

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