PM Modi compliments Paralympic heroes, saying they “played like performers not participants.”

PM Modi compliments Paralympic heroes, saying they “played like performers not participants.” In addition to praising the athletes for their incredible performances in the Paris Paralympics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also highlighted the change in India’s mindset from one of merely trying to win to one of competing to win.

In a September 12 meeting at his New Delhi residence, Prime Minister Modi commended the para-athletes for bringing a winning mentality to the nation’s sports system and credited their inspirational journeys with changing the country’s perspective on international competitiveness.

With 29 medals—seven golds, nine silvers, and thirteen bronzes—India’s para-athletes had an amazing run in the Paris Paralympics, surpassing their previous best total of 19 medals from the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics. India’s historic accomplishment saw the nation place 18th overall in the medal standings, solidifying its status as a major player in parasports.

“Not only have you all received medals, but you’ve also altered people’s perspectives…Medals at the Olympics and other events have a lot of weight these days and are actually counted. However, as a nation of 140 crore people, we attend the Games with the intention of winning, not merely competing,” PM Modi stated.

“‘I am not a participant but a performer’ – This way of thinking becomes a national asset, and you have added a new dimension to that advantage. Thank you so much for your accomplishments, and I’m really glad to see how you’re feeling,” PM Modi continued.

The over-an-hour-long encounter with PM Modi gave the para-athletes a chance to tell their success tales. The track and field events brought in 17 medals total, including four golds, which greatly thrilled the prime minister. In a touching speech, Prime Minister Modi congratulated the stars on their historic victory.

India’s legendary Paralympic moments

A notable achievement was Navdeep Singh’s gold in the men’s javelin throw F41 classification, especially considering that Beit Sadegh of Iran was disqualified and his medal was upgraded from silver. For Navdeep, who had just missed out on a podium finish at the Tokyo Paralympics, this victory was his way of making amends.

Preethi Pal also created history when she won two bronze medals in the 100- and 200-meter (T35) sprints, making history as the first Indian woman to win medals in track and field.

In keeping with his pledge to develop and support sports in the nation, PM Modi has regularly visited with Indian athletes after their significant tournament victories.