By India delivered its best-ever performance at the Games held in Aichi-Nagoya last month, finishing fourth in the overall medal standings. The 97-member Indian medal-winning contingent secured 114 medals, comprising 30 gold, 35 silver and 49 bronze, underlining the country’s growing presence in para-sports.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse were also present at the interaction. Among the athletes were double gold medallists Sheetal Devi, the armless archer, and visually impaired sprinter Simran. The athletes presented gifts to the Prime Minister, who also shared sweets with some of them.
Modi Praises Athletes for Winning Hearts Along With Medals
Addressing the medal-winners, Modi said India’s performance reflected the country’s emergence as a major force in international sports. He noted that the athletes had achieved more than sporting success by earning the admiration of millions of Indians.
“Your struggles and your achievements inspire every Indian,” the Prime Minister said.
He recalled how families were once hesitant to encourage children to pursue sports because of concerns about the support available to aspiring athletes. Modi said his government had focused on changing a system that, in his view, had prevented talented youngsters from reaching their potential.
He added that young athletes should now have confidence not only in their abilities but also in the country’s support for their ambitions.
More Indian Athletes Making Their Mark in Different Sports
The Prime Minister pointed to India’s improving results in disciplines where the country previously had limited representation. He mentioned archery, athletics, shooting, swimming, table tennis, badminton, judo and powerlifting as sports in which new talent and champions were emerging.
He also highlighted that 61 Indian athletes at the Asian Para Games were making their debut at the competition, describing their participation as a sign of the expanding pool of talent in the country.
Modi Recalls Rinku Hooda’s Emotional Gold Medal Story
One of the moments Modi highlighted was the performance of javelin thrower Rinku Hooda, who dedicated his gold medal to his mother. Rinku had lost his mother just a couple of months before the Games and had also overcome a major physical challenge after losing his left arm in an accident during childhood.
The Prime Minister praised his determination and said the moment had moved the entire country.
“You made the entire country emotional in that moment,” Modi told him.
Government Pushes Sports Infrastructure and Manufacturing
Modi also spoke about efforts to strengthen India’s wider sporting ecosystem, including infrastructure, equipment manufacturing and sports broadcasting.
He referred to the government’s approval of a sports goods manufacturing scheme under Khelo India, involving an investment of more than ₹1,800 crore. He said the initiative could help Indian-made sports products reach international markets while creating opportunities for the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The Prime Minister added that stronger manufacturing activity could support businesses and generate new opportunities in smaller cities and rural areas.
LA 2028 Becomes the Next Target
While congratulating the athletes on their Asian Para Games success, Modi urged them not to lose momentum and to begin preparing for the next major challenge: the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
He said India should aim to send as many athletes as possible to the event and improve its medal tally.
The Prime Minister encouraged the medal-winners to celebrate their achievements while treating the success as a starting point for bigger goals. His message was clear: the performance in Japan should provide the confidence and motivation to aim even higher at the next Paralympics.
