India’s Para athletes have outdone themselves at the recently concluded Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, setting a new benchmark for excellence. Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, during an interaction with the participants, praised the remarkable feat, highlighting India’s spectacular performance on the international stage.
Also Read: 67th National School Games Kick Off in Srinagar, J&K LG Manoj Sinha Inaugurates
India secured a total of 111 medals at the Para Asian Games, an extraordinary improvement from their previous best of 72 medals achieved in the 2018 event held in Indonesia. This remarkable feat not only signifies India’s growing prowess in para sports but also underscores the nation’s commitment to nurturing and encouraging athletic talent among differently-abled individuals.
#WATCH | Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Thakur, says, "In the last two years, India has set new benchmarks in sports… In the Asian Para Games too, we crossed the 100 mark and won 111 medals this time. I congratulate all the players for making India proud.… pic.twitter.com/3HKJSxcw5O
— ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2023
During the interaction, Minister Thakur expressed his elation, saying, “In the last two years, India has set new benchmarks in sports… In the Asian Para Games too, we crossed the 100 mark and won 111 medals this time. I congratulate all the players for making India proud. Along with encouraging players, the sports budget was increased 2.5 times… We are going to build 1000 Khelo India centres… India’s future is bright… We have set milestones in many games…”
India’s remarkable haul of 111 medals included 29 golds, 31 silver, and 51 bronze medals. These outstanding achievements propelled India to the fifth position in the overall medal tally, demonstrating the country’s growing prominence on the international stage.
The stellar performance of India’s para-athletes was witnessed across various sporting disciplines. Athletics, in particular, proved to be a goldmine for the nation, with a remarkable 55 medals, including 18 golds, 17 silver, and 20 bronze medals. This exceptional showing in athletics highlights the dedication and hard work of India’s para-athletes.
Para-badminton was another area of excellence, with India securing 4 gold and silver medals each and an impressive 13 bronze medals, contributing to a total of 21 medals in this sport. The success extended to archery, where India clinched 7 medals, including 2 golds, 3 silver, and 7 bronze medals.
" You will need Arms to compete at Archery "
Sheetal Devi : OKAY , WATCH ME !!!
First Female Armless Archer to play World Final 🤯#AsianParaGames #Praise4Para pic.twitter.com/8qS2THRxM0
— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) October 27, 2023
Para-shooting was no exception, as India celebrated 6 medals, with 2 gold, silver, and bronze medals each. Chess also added to the medal tally with 8 medals, including 2 golds, a silver, and 5 bronze medals. Para-canoe and para-lifting saw India capturing 4 medals, while para-judo and para table-tennis contributed to the tally with silver and 2 bronze medals and 2 bronze medals, respectively.
India also secured medals in rowing, para-swimming, and taekwondo, adding to the diversity of their accomplishments. This remarkable display of talent across various sports is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the Indian para-athletes and their support systems.
While China, Iran, and Japan dominated the top three positions in the overall medal tally, India’s outstanding performance is a testament to the nation’s commitment to promoting para sports and nurturing the talents of differently-abled athletes. As the country celebrates this historic achievement, it serves as a reminder of the bright future that lies ahead for India in the world of sports, with numerous milestones yet to be achieved.