New Delhi: The Indian contingent of the Paris Paralympics on Thursday morning left from their hotel at the national capital in New Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Indian contingent of the Paris Paralympics returned to India after their record-breaking performance at the multi-sport event.
Speaking to ANI, Paris Paralympics bronze medalist Simran Sharma said that it is a matter of pride for the contingent since they will be meeting PM Modi.
“It feels great, this is a matter of pride for us. PM speaks to us even before we leave to play our game. He makes athletes feel special. Perhaps that is why we are receiving a lot of support and the medal tally is improving and we won 29 medals. I am gifting my spikes, which I used while sprinting, to him,” Simran said.
Star para javelin-thrower Sumit Antil said that PM Modi has motivated them in the past.
#Breaking | PM Narendra Modi will be meeting the Indian Paralympics contingent shortly at his residence, 7 LKM.
Today at 12 PM, the contingent is expected to meet PM Modi: @karishmasingh22 shares more details with @anchoramitaw#PMModi #Delhi #Paralympics #IndianTeam pic.twitter.com/2elQzi63az
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) September 12, 2024
“The entire contingent is very happy and excited. He motivated us in the past and today we will come back motivated for our upcoming events. How he supports the athletes, feels like a family. Meeting him feels good…,” Antil said.
Paris Paralympics gold medalist Harvinder Singh said that he was happy to meet PM Modi.
✨ Congratulations to India's Paralympic stars for a stellar performance at Paris 2024. 🥇7 Gold, 🥈9 Silver, 🥉13 Bronze Medals! You've made us all proud! 🌟👏@Paris @Paris2024 @ParalympicIndia @PCI_IN_Official @Paralympics @narendramodi @PMOIndia @rashtrapatibhvn pic.twitter.com/wAFRCaJ2dW
— INDIAN DEAF CRICKET ASSOCIATION (IDCA)🇮🇳 (@official_idca) September 11, 2024
“I feel very happy. I have returned after becoming a champion in para-archery at the Paris Paralympics. This is a historic medal for the country. I am happy to be meeting the PM today. I am taking one of my arrows that I used in the final, as a gift for the PM,” Harvinder said.
Para-discus thrower Yogesh Kathuniya said that meeting with PM Modi will help them in the long run.
Words that Inspire Triumph!
Hon'ble PM @narendramodi ji's encouraging words have lifted the spirits of our Paralympic heroes!
His heartfelt conversations & cheerful moments have been a driving force in their path to Paralympics 2024. pic.twitter.com/DrCLJNl394— Office of Kiren Rijiju (@RijijuOffice) September 10, 2024
“There is a lot of excitement that we will celebrate our victory with him (PM Modi). It feels great that a Prime Minister holds one-to-one interaction with you. We will talk, even about the time to come. That fills a spark in our life. This will help us in the long run…I am taking my discus to him as a gift…,” Kathuniya said.
Paris Paralympics gold medalist Navdeep Singh said that the Indian contingent is very proud to have the opportunity to meet PM Modi.
India at Paralympics 🇮🇳🥇
1968: 0
1972: 1
1984: 4
1988: 0
1992: 0
1996: 0
2000: 0
2004: 2
2008: 0
2012: 1
2016: 4
2020: 19
2024: 29What changed? Government! 🔥@narendramodi @IndianOlympians #Narin #OlympicGames #gamescom2024 pic.twitter.com/S9WDsFPRmA
— Dr. Pradeep Runner (@Balajifitnessg1) September 11, 2024
“It feels great. We are meeting the Prime Minister of the country. We feel proud that we have received the opportunity to meet him. I am excited and delighted…,” Navdeep said.
Paralympian-archer Sheetal Devi said that PM Modi has always been “motivating and blessing” the Indian contingent.
All the achievements need a little inspiration. @PMOIndia Shri @narendramodi Ji, is an exemplary leader who motivated our champs in their successful journey in #Paralympics. pic.twitter.com/1dFzXDTr0Y
— Bhagwanth Khuba (@bhagwantkhuba) September 10, 2024
“I am very happy that we are all going to meet PM Modi…He has been motivating and blessing us. I am delighted…,” Sheetal said.
The Indian contingent concluded its Paralympics campaign in Paris on Sunday with a record haul of 29 medals, including seven golds, nine silvers, and 13 bronzes. The 29-medal tally is the most by India in the history of the Paralympics. Following the conclusion of the landmark campaign, India surpassed its record medal tally of 19, which was achieved at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. India ended the marquee event in the 18th position.