Last Updated on November 6, 2026 1:59 am by INDIAN AWAAZ
Staff Reporter
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the outstanding performance of the Para-Athletes in the recently concluded Asian Para Games in Aichi Nagoya, Japan shows that India is emerging as a big power in world of sports. Interacting with the Indian contingent in New Delhi, Mr Modi said, the athletes have not only won medals, but also won the hearts of millions of countrymen. He said, all the para-athletes have once again demonstrated that the highest flights are powered by sheer determination and courage.
Mr Modi said, in the 2010 Para Asian Games, India had won just one Gold and total 14 medals. He said, this time the Indian athletes have returned with 114 medals. The Prime Minister said, this journey from 14 to 114 medals is the culmination of the hard work of athletes.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted that this meteoric rise in medals suggests the immense potential and talent of nation’s athletes. He stated that this year, India had 30 Gold Medals, 5 World Records, 9 Asian Records and 4 events where Indians swept the entire podium. He noted that of the 61 athletes making their Asian Para Games debut, 36 came back home with medals. He pointed out that there are 34 medal winners among 56 women athletes. He further said that Indian athletes have shown that no dream is too big and no challenge too great when there is determination. He said the days are over when society frowned upon youngsters who wanted to pursue sports.
Mr Modi said, keeping the Olympics in mind, this time from the Red Fort, he had called upon the youth to come forward in the talent hunt campaign.
The Prime Minister said, the government has approved the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme and now it is the time for the Sports Goods Manufacturing Industry to set new banchmarks. He said, when any Indian or foreign player steps onto the field, their sports gear should also be Made in India and their clothes and shoes should also be Made in India.
Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said, the sports sector in the country is advancing because the Prime Minister has provided a comprehensive vision for it. He said, while the country won only three gold medals in the Para Games in 2014 and today, in 2026 the Indian para-athletes brought home 30 gold medals. The Minister said, today, both athletes and para-athletes are accorded equal status, receiving the same opportunities and support.
The programme was attended by the Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse, athletes, coaches, officials from the Paralympic Committee of India and the Indian Olympic Association, representatives of National Sports Federations, and officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
India registered its best-ever performance at the Asian Para Games held this year in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. A total of 97 Indian para-athletes won 114 medals, comprising 30 gold, 35 silver and 49 bronze medals.