India Sends Largest Ever Paralympic Team to Paris 2024
In a remarkable display of national pride, the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) hosted a grand send-off ceremony for the Indian Paralympic team. India is sending its largest-ever contingent of 84 athletes to the Paris Paralympics, competing in 12 sports including archery, athletics, badminton, canoeing, cycling, blind judo, powerlifting, rowing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, and taekwondo.
Mansukh Mandaviya, the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, praised the athletes’ ability to overcome obstacles and highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting them. He mentioned that many athletes have benefited from the Khelo India initiative.
Raksha Nikhil Khadse, the Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, expressed hope for a historic medal tally and emphasized the government’s efforts to support para-sports under the leadership of Narendra Modi.
Devendra, President of the PCI, expressed pride in the athletes’ dedication and confidence in their ability to make the country proud. He also thanked music directors Vivek – Abhishek for creating the anthem ‘Macha Dhoom,’ which captures the spirit of the athletes.
The event included the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Mandaviya, the launch of the anthem ‘Macha Dhoom,’ and the unveiling of a commemorative book titled ‘Breaking the Barriers.’ The Indian Paralympic team aims to achieve their best-ever medal tally, targeting a minimum of 25 medals, surpassing the 19 medals won at the Tokyo Paralympics.
Doubts Revealed
Paralympic -: The Paralympics are a major international sports event where athletes with disabilities compete. It’s like the Olympics but for people who have physical, visual, or intellectual impairments.
Paris 2024 -: Paris 2024 refers to the upcoming Paralympic Games that will be held in Paris, France, in the year 2024.
84 athletes -: This means that 84 sportspeople from India who have disabilities will be participating in the Paris Paralympics.
Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports -: This is a government official in India who is responsible for promoting sports and activities for young people. Currently, this position is held by Mansukh Mandaviya.
Mansukh Mandaviya -: Mansukh Mandaviya is an Indian politician who is the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports. He helps support and promote sports in India.
Raksha Nikhil Khadse -: Raksha Nikhil Khadse is another Indian politician who supports the athletes and was present at the send-off ceremony.
PCI President Devendra -: PCI stands for Paralympic Committee of India. Devendra is the president of this committee, which helps organize and support Indian athletes in the Paralympics.
anthem ‘Macha Dhoom’ -: An anthem is a special song. ‘Macha Dhoom’ is the name of the song created to cheer and motivate the Indian Paralympic team.
commemorative book -: A commemorative book is a special book made to remember and celebrate an important event or achievement. In this case, it celebrates the Indian Paralympic team.
Tokyo Paralympics -: The Tokyo Paralympics were the previous Paralympic Games held in Tokyo, Japan, in 2021. Indian athletes also competed there and won medals.