Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended best wishes to the Indian contingent taking part in the Paris Paralympics, which kicked off in France with a grand opening ceremony on Wednesday evening.
He said that the "courage and determination" of every athlete taking part in the Paralympics 2024 is a source of inspiration for the entire nation. He also extended best wishes to the contingent on behalf of the citizens.
At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, India sent 54 athletes, which included 14 women. At the Paris Paralympics, India has sent an 84-member contingent that includes 32 women. It is India's largest contingent in the Paralympic Games. The Paralympics 2024 kick off from August 28 and conclude on September 8. India will compete in three new sports – para-cycling, para-rowing and blind judo--at the Paris Paralympics, extending the country's participation to 12 events. Overall, the games will see the participation of players and athletes in 22 sports disciplines.
Tokyo 2020 was India's most successful Paralympic Games. India won 19 medals, including five golds, eight silver and six bronze.
Meanwhile, on the occasion of National Sports Day – celebrated on Indian hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand's birthday on August 29, PM Modi expressed his heartfelt tribute to the country’s sports hero.
Dhyan Chand, celebrated as “The Wizard”, represented the Indian hockey team from 1925 to 1949, scoring over 1,500 goals in the 185 matches he played as a centre forward during his international career, which includes three Olympic Gold Medal wins in 1928,1932 and 1936. He was felicitated with the Padma Bhushan in 1956.
Every year, National Sports Day is celebrated as a befitting tribute to all Indian sports icons for their contribution to bringing laurels to the country on the international stage. PM Modi emphasised the importance of recognising all those who have passionately contributed to sports and proudly represented India on the global stage. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting sports at all levels to create an ecosystem where every young Indian can aspire to play and shine.
(ANI)