Mandaviya Honors Medal-Winning Para-Athletes, Calls Them ‘Wheels That Became Wings’

Stating that para-athletes have transformed ‘disability into determination’, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya said that this new definition of courage will keep inspiring the future generations.

He was speaking at an event to felicitate India’s medal-winning contingent from the New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championships, organised here on Saturday.

Advertisement

Commending the athletes for their extraordinary spirit, determination, and record-breaking performance, the Union Minister said that it has made the nation proud.

“The entire nation is proud of your achievements. You have not only won medals, but you have also won our hearts. You have shown that when intent is strong, wheelchairs can also become wings,” he added.

“You are not para-athletes, but Power Athletes of Bharat. The pride you brought to the nation after the medal wins and the inspiring message you have given to divyang people in particular is noteworthy. The passion you have shown is tremendous,” Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said.

India finished 10th in the overall standings with a record 22 medals with 6 Gold, 9 Silver, and 7 Bronze. The Department of Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, gave away cash awards amounting to over Rs 1.09 crore to the para-athletes.

Addressing the gathering, the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) President Devendra Jhajharia said that the Sports Ministry and Sports Authority of India (SAI) have helped them as a family.

“The WPA gave us a trophy on the final day of the event for hosting this event successfully. They said they will be happy to have India host more such events in the country, going forward. Both the IPC president Andrew Parsons and World Para Athletics President Paul Fritzerald said that the level of facilities provided to athletes and the technical conduct of the Games, were both of the highest level. This kind of praise from international associations was made possible because of the combined strength of PCI, SAI and the Ministry,” he added.