Sharad Kumar Celebrates India’s Record Paralympics Success with PM Modi
Sharad Kumar, a silver medallist at the Paris Paralympics, shared his pride and gratitude for the support extended to the Indian Paralympic contingent. Reflecting on his journey and the evolution of the para-movement in India, Kumar highlighted the Prime Minister’s significant role in fostering a positive environment for para-athletes.
Sharad Kumar’s Achievements
Sharad Kumar won his second medal in men’s High Jump T63 at the Paris Paralympics. He remarked, “This is my second medal in Paralympics. I have been associated with the para-movement ever since its inception. It makes me immensely proud to see the Indian Paralympic contingent.”
Prime Minister Modi’s Support
Kumar emphasized the importance of Prime Minister Modi’s encouragement and support, which have been instrumental in elevating the status of para-sports in India. He added, “This team has categorized India as a sporting nation already. We are immensely thankful to you for your motivation before the games, and we all look forward to meeting you after them. Nobody has accepted para the way you have.”
Record-Breaking Performance
The Indian contingent concluded its Paralympics campaign in Paris with a record haul of 29 medals, including seven golds, nine silvers, and 13 bronzes. This is the most by India in the history of the Paralympics, surpassing the previous record of 19 medals from Tokyo 2020. India ended the event in the 18th position.
Notable Achievements
Para-shooter Avani Lekhara became the first ever Indian woman to secure two Paralympic gold medals as she defended her women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 shooting title with a world record score of 249.7 points. Harvinder Singh made history by claiming India’s first-ever gold medal in para-archery at the Paralympics. He was named flagbearer for India for the closing ceremony alongside Preeti Pal.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse, and Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) president Devendra Jhajharia were also present during the meeting. PM Modi interacted with Paralympians who represented India in the recently concluded para multi-sport event. During the meeting, Paralympic gold medallist Avani Lekhara gifted the Prime Minister a signed Indian jersey.
Doubts Revealed
Sharad Kumar -: Sharad Kumar is an Indian athlete who competes in the Paralympics, which are sports events for athletes with disabilities. He won a silver medal at the Paris Paralympics.
Paralympics -: The Paralympics are international sports competitions for athletes with physical disabilities. They are held after the Olympic Games.
Prime Minister Modi -: Prime Minister Modi is the leader of India. His full name is Narendra Modi, and he helps make important decisions for the country.
para-athletes -: Para-athletes are athletes who have physical disabilities and compete in sports events like the Paralympics.
Paris Paralympics -: The Paris Paralympics are the Paralympic Games that took place in Paris, France. Athletes from all over the world competed in various sports.
Avani Lekhara -: Avani Lekhara is an Indian para-athlete who competes in shooting. She won two gold medals at the Paris Paralympics.
Harvinder Singh -: Harvinder Singh is an Indian para-athlete who competes in archery. He won a historic gold medal in para-archery at the Paris Paralympics.
Tokyo 2020 -: Tokyo 2020 refers to the Paralympic Games that were held in Tokyo, Japan, in the year 2021. They were called Tokyo 2020 because they were originally scheduled for 2020 but were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
