’14 to 114′: PM Modi welcomes Indian para-athletes after historic Asian Para Games medal haul, eyes LA 2028 Paralympics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with India’s medalists at Asian Para Games 2026. (Download Video) NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hailed Indian para-athletes for their record-breaking performance at the 2026 Asian Para Games, describing their achievements and struggles as an inspiration for the entire country while urging them to turn their historic achievement into a launching pad for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.Interacting with the medal winners at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, Modi congratulated the contingent on its best campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya Games in Japan. India finished fourth overall with 114 medals – 30 gold, 35 silver and 49 bronze – won by 97 para-athletes.“Your spectacular performance shows that India is becoming a powerhouse in the world of sports. You have not only won medals but also won the hearts of millions of Indians,” Modi said.“Your struggles and your achievements inspire every Indian. Earlier, parents were afraid to support their children in sports careers. People would say that nothing can be done with this system that does not support talent, but just like you did not give up, we also remained focused on our goals,” he added.Two-time gold medalists including archer Sheetal Devi and visually impaired sprinter Simran participated in the interaction. The athletes handed over gifts to the Prime Minister who was also seen feeding some of them with sweets. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse were present at the event.

’14 to 114′: Modi highlights India’s rise in para-sports

Modi underlined the extent of India’s progress by recalling that the country won just 14 medals, including one gold, at the 2010 edition. The latest haul also included five world records, nine Asian records and podium finishes for Indian athletes in four disciplines.In a post at X, Modi highlighted India’s remarkable rise from 14 medals in 2010 to 114 in 2026, calling it a reflection of the immense talent and potential of the country’s para-athletes. He also pointed to the campaign’s five world records, nine Asian records and four podium finishes, besides noting that 36 of the 61 debutants returned with medals.The prime minister also underlined the contribution of women, 34 out of 56 female athletes won medals. “Our athletes have shown that no dream is too big and no challenge too big when there is determination,” he wrote, adding that India is now firmly behind the youth who want to take up sports: “Now if you have talent, India will support you and cheer you on. Come play and shine!”The Prime Minister also appreciated India’s growing competitiveness across disciplines such as archery, athletics, shooting, swimming, table tennis, badminton, judo and powerlifting. He pointed out that 61 members of the contingent made their debut at the Asian Para Games.Modi made a special mention of javelin thrower Rinku Hood, who dedicated his gold medal to his mother, who died a few months before the Games. As a small boy, Rinku lost his left arm in an accident.“You upset the whole country at that moment,” Modi told him.

LA 2028 another target for Indian para-athletes

Modi also talked about efforts to strengthen India’s sports ecosystem, including a sports goods manufacturing program worth more than Rs 1,800 crore, and urged athletes to focus on the next Paralympics.“You should use this success as a springboard for bigger goals. The next goal for India and most of you is Los Angeles 2028. Our goal is to have as many Indian players as possible in LA 2028 and win as many medals as possible. Celebrate this moment and start preparing for the future,” he said.