Prime Minister lauded India’s contingent of Asian Para Games medalists during a special interaction, celebrating a historic medal tally that surged from fourteen medals in 2010 to one hundred and fourteen at the recent games. The Prime Minister emphasized that the remarkable leap reflects the unwavering determination of the athletes, the commitment of their trainers, and a rapidly evolving national sports ecosystem.
Historic Performance and Record Breakers
During the address, officials and athletes gathered to mark the unprecedented success, which featured thirty gold, thirty-five silver, and forty-nine bronze medals. Competitors also established five new world records and nine Asian records. Notably, thirty-four women athletes secured podium finishes, while first-time participants contributed significantly, with thirty-six out of sixty-one debutants returning with medals. Standout achievements included Mona Agarwal and Honey breaking world records, alongside resilience from athletes like Rinku, who dedicated her gold medal to her late mother.
Expanding Infrastructure and Policy Support
The government pointed to ongoing systemic reforms implemented since 2014, aimed at dismantling resource shortages, lack of transparency, and historical hesitancy around athletic careers. Programs like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and Khelo India initiatives were credited with powering athletes to dozens of medals. Furthermore, the administration recently approved a ₹1,800 crore Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme to boost domestic equipment production, foster MSME growth, and position India as a global exporter of sports gear.
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister urged athletes to treat their recent victories as a stepping stone toward the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, noting that quota qualification has already begun.
According to an official statement issued by PIB Delhi on November 5, 2026.
