Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his warm wishes to the Indian contingent set to participate in the forthcoming Paris Paralympics 2024. He said that the entire country will be rooting for the atheletes who will be representing the country ahead of the Games which are set to commence on August 28. The quadrennial event will conclude on September 8.
Notably, India will be sending its largest-ever contingent for the Paralympics 2024 with as many as 84 athletes set to participate in the competition in the French capital. During his virtual interaction with the athletes, PM Modi not only taked to atheletes who will be feauturing in their first Paralympics but past medal winners as well.
"Your journey is as important to the country as it is for you and your careers. Our country's pride will be related to what you all achieve there. An entire country is rooting for you.
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"140 crore Indians are sending their blessings to you. Vijay Bhava (May you be victorious). Like you did at the Asian Paralympics and the Tokyo Paralympics, I wish you all create new records in Paris," PM Modi said in his address to India's contingent gearing up to compete in France.
"You are all going to Paris as flag-bearers of India. This journey is going to be an extremely important journey of your life, your career," he added.
What PM Modi Sadi To Sheetal Devi?
Sheetal Devi was the first Paralympian that PM Modi interacted with.
"Don't take pressure. Don't think about victory or losing. You just give your best. The whole country will be rooting for you," PM Modi said while speaking to Sheetal.
My Aim Will Be To Give My Best: Avani Lekhara
Meanwhile, Rifle shooter Avani Lekhara was the next athlete to interact with the PM.
"Sir, last time it was my first Paralympics. I participated in four events and gained experience from that. I have matured a lot in this cycle as regards to my sport, technique. The aim this time will also be to give my best in the events I am competing.
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"The support that I got from the country, from you since the Tokyo Games has motivated me to do better. But there is also a responsibility that comes with it, to go there and give my best," Avani said.
High jumper Mariyappan Thangavelu, javelin thrower Sumit Antil, taekwondo athlete Aruna Tanwar, shooter Rudransh Khandelwal, table tennis player Bhavina Patel, shuttler Tarun Dhillon were some of the other para-athletes that PM Modi interacted with.