New Delhi, Sep 13 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi was hailed as 'Param Mitra' (true friend) by India's Paralympic medallists during an emotional interaction, where athletes expressed their deep gratitude for his unwavering support and visionary policies.

As the para-athletes shared their inspirational journeys from the Paris Paralympics, PM Modi praised their determination and highlighted the exceptional dedication of their coaches, emphasising the unique challenges faced by the specially-abled.

"For others, PM stands for Prime Minister, but for us, PM stands for Param Mitra,” said silver medallist Yogesh Kathuniya on Friday, capturing the profound bond between the athletes and PM Modi.

Kathuniya attributed his consistency and success to government initiatives like TOPS and Khelo India, saying, "I attribute my consistency to you because of the schemes you have launched. It is because of you that we have been able to win 29 medals."

Prime Minister Modi, in his address, underscored the importance of understanding the life of a para-athlete, praising the coaches who work tirelessly to train them. "Before teaching the specially-abled, the coaches need to mentally prepare themselves to live that life," PM Modi stated.

"Those who train para-athletes are extraordinary. The abled only need to be taught techniques, but the specially-abled need to be taught a way of life as well." His remarks highlighted the unique role of coaches who go beyond teaching techniques to foster resilience and self-belief among para-athletes.

Gold medallist Navdeep shared his personal experience of overcoming nerves during his second Paralympic appearance. "I was very nervous, but all the senior athletes motivated me. I talked to them and gained experience, and by the end, I was absolutely relaxed ahead of my game," Navdeep said, underscoring the importance of peer support within the Indian Paralympic team.

Veteran para-athlete and silver medallist Sharad Kumar reflected on the progress of the para-movement in India, stating, "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. This team has categorised 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."

Gold medallist Sumit Antil, who clinched his second consecutive Paralympic gold, dedicated his victory to PM Modi, recalling a promise made after his win in Tokyo. "After Tokyo, you made me promise to get two more Golds. This one is for you... On behalf of my whole team, I thank you," Antil said, highlighting the personal connection and the inspiration drawn from the Prime Minister's encouragement.

The interaction was not only a celebration of the athletes’ incredible achievements but also a testament to the transformative impact of PM Modi’s support for para-sports in India. As the nation continues to shine on the global stage, the relationship between the athletes and their ‘Param Mitra’ reflects a shared commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining excellence in sport.

UNI BDN GNK