New Delhi, Nov 2026 : India's para-athletes who recently represented the country at the Asian Para Games 2026 returned from their interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday feeling inspired and motivated, with several describing the meeting as a memorable experience that strengthened their determination to achieve greater success on the international stage.
The athletes met and interacted with the Prime Minister in New Delhi, where he encouraged them to continue working hard, aim for bigger achievements and prepare for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. His emphasis on India's sporting ambitions and the country's potential to emerge as a global powerhouse left a strong impression on the participants.
Speaking to IANS after the interaction, para-athletes Swati Chaudhary, Ayush Verma, Suvarna Raj, para-table tennis player Shubham Wadhwa and archer Bhavna Chaudhary shared their experiences and spoke about the encouragement they received from the Prime Minister.
Swati Chaudhary, who could not get an opportunity to speak to Modi directly, said that simply being part of the meeting was a matter of immense pride and happiness. She added that the Prime Minister's thoughts on sports provided encouragement to athletes across different categories, including para-sportspersons.
“Although I couldn't have a direct conversation, the meeting itself was wonderful. It brings immense joy to meet him and instils a deep sense of pride, which serves as great motivation for the future,” she said.
She further noted that the Prime Minister's vision for sports was encouraging not only for able-bodied athletes but also for para-athletes striving to establish themselves at international competitions.
For Shubham Wadhwa, who delivered an impressive performance at the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, the interaction fulfilled a long-cherished dream. He said meeting the Prime Minister after winning a medal was an aspiration shared by many sportspersons.
“Every athlete dreams of getting the chance to meet the Prime Minister after winning a medal, and today that dream of mine has come true,” Wadhwa said.
He added that Modi offered positive advice and assured the athletes of continued support as they prepared for major international events, including the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.
Wadhwa said the Prime Minister's encouragement had given the athletes greater confidence and positivity. He also acknowledged the role of government support in helping him achieve success in international competitions.
Pranav Soorma, who overcame a severe spinal injury to become a gold medallist in the men's discus throw F51/52/53 event at the Asian Para Games 2026, described the opportunity to meet the Prime Minister as a special moment.
Soorma said athletes returning victorious from a major international competition naturally look forward to meeting the country's leader and sharing their achievements. He expressed gratitude to Modi for spending time with the contingent and personally encouraging them.
According to Soorma, the Prime Minister urged the athletes to continue their hard work and bring further recognition to India at bigger international sporting events.
Ashok Kumar Malik, who secured silver in the men's 65kg para powerlifting event, also described the interaction as memorable. He recalled that the Prime Minister told him he was “truly very fortunate”, a remark that made him particularly happy.
Malik said Modi encouraged the athletes to keep progressing and begin preparations for the Los Angeles Games. The Prime Minister also asked him to share the churma he had brought with his fellow athletes, adding a personal and cheerful touch to the interaction.
The athletes said the meeting had strengthened their confidence and reinforced their resolve to aim higher at upcoming competitions.
The interaction also highlighted the growing importance being attached to para-sports in India's sporting ambitions. With athletes returning from the Asian Para Games with medals and memorable performances, the focus is now shifting towards preparing for the 2028 Paralympic Games.
For the sportspersons, the Prime Minister's words served as an additional source of motivation as they look ahead to representing India on the global stage and striving to bring home more medals.
