NEW DELHI:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
engaged with the
Indian delegation
set to participate in the upcoming
Paris Paralympics
, commencing on August 28, through a video conference on Monday.
Mansukh Mandaviya
, the Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, was also present during the interaction.
India is preparing to send its biggest-ever delegation to the
Paralympics
, with 84 athletes set to compete across 12 sports, including archery, athletics, badminton, canoeing, cycling, blind judo, powerlifting, rowing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, and taekwondo.
The games, which begin on August 28, are expected to highlight the remarkable skills and commitment of India's para-athletes.
WATCH: Prime Minister Narendra Modi engages with India’s Paris Paralympic team
During the interaction, Union Minister Mandaviya expressed his belief that the Indian para-athletes have demonstrated that any obstacle can be overcome with determination. He stated, "...This is a proud moment where we have gathered to boost the morale of our athletes and extend them best wishes. This time, we are sending our biggest-ever contingent to participate in the Paralympics. 84 of our talented athletes will represent India in the Paris Paralympics 2024. These athletes have not only shown excellence in sports but they have also proven that any hurdle can be crossed with willpower, dedication and hard work. I am delighted to say that 50% of these athletes are participating in the Paralympics for the first time. It is also a matter of pride for us that Indian athletes bagged 19 medals in the Tokyo Paralympics and 111 medals in the 2022 Asian Para Games, giving their best performance and creating history. We are confident that just like this, they will bring laurels to the country in Paris too..." as quoted by ANI.
The Indian contingent for the Paris Paralympics has grown significantly compared to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, where India sent 54 athletes, including 14 women. This time, the total number of athletes has increased to 84, with 32 women among them.
India will participate in three new sports at the Paris Paralympics - para-cycling, para-rowing, and blind judo - expanding the country's involvement to 12 sports out of the 22 that will be featured in the event.
The Tokyo 2020 Paralympics marked India's most successful Paralympic Games to date, with the nation securing 19 medals, including five gold, eight silver, and six bronze.
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