Bhubaneswar: August 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the Indian para-athlete contingent for Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and families, guardians and coaches of the para athletes today via video conferencing.
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister lauded the para-athletes for their self confidence and will power. He credited their hard work for the biggest ever contingent to the Paralympic Games.
He said he is hopeful after interacting with the para athletes that India will create a new history at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
The Prime Minister said that today’s new India does not put pressure for medals on the athletes but expects them to give their best.
Referring to the recent Olympics, the Prime Minister said that country is firmly with the athletes in their efforts whether they win or miss.
‘Our villages and remote areas are full of talent and the contingent of para athletes is a living example of that. There are many young players in these areas with capabilities to win medals. They should get all the resources and facilities. country is trying to reach them, special attention is being paid to the rural areas, said the Prime Minister’.
To recognize the local talents, 360 Khelo India Centers have been established. Soon this number will be increased to 1000 centres, PM said.
The Prime Minister emphasized on improving our ways and system to develop sports culture in India.
He mentioned establishment of Sports University in Imphal, Manipur, status of sports in the New National Education Policy and Khelo India Movement as key steps in that direction.
The Prime Minister told the athletes that they strengthen the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat irrespective of sports they represent. “Whatever state, region you belong to, whatever language you speak, above all this, today you are ‘Team India. This spirit should permeate every part of our society at every level”’, the Prime Ministers stressed.
Earlier, giving facilities to Divyang Jan was treated as welfare, today the country is working for this as part of its responsibility. That is why, the Parliament enacted a law like ‘The Rights for Persons with Disabilities Act to provide comprehensive security to the Divyang Jan.
54 para athletes from across 9 sports disciplines will be heading to Tokyo to represent the nation. This is India’s biggest ever contingent to the Paralympic Games.
