Paris Paralympics: PM Modi Commends Para-Athletes for Their 'Phenomenal Performance'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated India para-athletes Mariyappan Thangavelu, Sharad Kumar, Sundar Singh Gurjar and Ajeet Singh over their medal-winning performance in the Paris Paralympics on Wednesday. Sharad secured a silver medal in men's high jump T63 with a best jump of 1.88m setting the new Paralympic Record in T42 category. Sharad also upgraded his Tokyo bronze medal in the same event. Thangavelu finished with the bronze medal, clearing a season's best jump of 1.85 m as India secured their second double podium finish in athletics at the Paris Games. He also made history by becoming the first Indian para-athlete to strike gold at three straight Games. Thangavelu had claimed gold at Rio 2016 with an attempt of 1.89 m and silver at Tokyo 2020 with 1.86 m. "Sharad Kumar wins silver in Men's High Jump T63 at #Paralympics2024! He is admired for consistency and excellence. Congratulations to him. He inspires the entire nation," PM Modi posted on X.

"Congratulations to Mariyappan Thangavelu for winning the bronze medal in men's high jump T63 event. It is commendable that he has won medals in three consecutive editions of Paralympics. He is extraordinary in skill, consistency and determination," tweeted the Prime Minister.

Earlier during the day, Ajeet and Sundar clinched silver and bronze respectively in men's javelin throw F46 class.

"An incredible effort by Sundar Singh Gurjar to win bronze in the Men's Javelin Throw F46 at the #Paralympics2024! His hard work and determination are commendable. Congratulations on winning this award!" PM said in another post.

"Incredible achievement by Ajeet Singh as he bags silver in the Men's Javelin Throw F46 at the #Paralympics2024! His dedication to games and to fight against adversities has done India proud," he added.

Now, India has won an unprecedented 20 medals, over the earlier best of 19 from Tokyo 2020. Then again, it has crossed the 50-medal mark at the Paralympics, with the current tally standing at 51 medals till now.