New Delhi, November 6, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Indian para-athletes for their strong performance at the Asian Para Games in Japan and highlighted the country's growing presence in international para-sports.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Modi met members of the Indian para-athletics contingent at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in Delhi and addressed a gathering organized to mark their performance at the Games.

During his interaction, Modi highlighted India's progress in the Asian Para Games. He noted that India had won 14 medals, including one gold, in the 2010 edition, while the country's medal tally in the recent Games reached 114. The tally included 30 gold, 35 silver and 49 bronze medals, along with five world records and nine Asian records, according to the figures cited during the interaction.

Modi attributed the improvement to the athletes' dedication and the development of a stronger support system for Indian sports. He also said that the performance reflected the growing participation and competitiveness of Indian athletes in para-sports.

Women Athletes Highlighted

The Prime Minister also highlighted the performance of Indian women athletes. According to the figures cited during the interaction, 34 of the 56 women who represented India at the Games won medals.

He also recalled an emotional moment involving javelin thrower Rinku, who dedicated his gold medal to his late mother. According to Modi, Rinku lost his mother two months before the Games and held up her photograph after winning the medal.

India's Progress in Para-Sports

Modi said that Indian athletes had overcome several challenges associated with the country's sporting ecosystem and emphasized the importance of continued support for athletes. He also highlighted instances in which Indian athletes secured gold, silver and bronze medals in the same events.

The Prime Minister further noted the performance of the Indian contingent on the final day of competition, when the athletes secured nine gold medals.

Modi's interaction with the para-athletes focused on India's progress in para-sports and the achievements of the athletes at the recent Asian Para Games.

— M Venkata T Reddy, News Editor and Investigative Journalist