New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated Indian para-athletes for their medal-winning performances at the 2026 Asian Para Games, praising their achievements across athletics, para table tennis, shooting and powerlifting.
The athletes recognised by the Prime Minister included Deepthi Jeevanji, who won gold in the women’s 400m T20 event, and Ashok and Manish Narwal, who secured silver medals in para powerlifting and shooting, respectively.
Modi also congratulated medal-winning athletes for their performances in javelin throw, shot put, para table tennis and other events, highlighting personal bests, title defences and milestones in their sporting careers.
Among the other athletes congratulated were Pradeep Kumar, who won silver in the men’s javelin throw F53/54 event with a personal best, and five bronze medallists: Sonalben Patel and Bhavina Patel in para table tennis, Ravanni Valasanaini in the women’s 1500m T11, Prachi Pandey in women’s singles Class 6 para table tennis, Praveen Sharma in men’s shot put F11 and Ayush Verma in men’s javelin throw F53/54.
Jeevanji retained her title in the women’s 400m T20 event while setting a Games record, according to the Prime Minister’s Office. Modi said her performance demonstrated the spirit of a champion and would inspire young athletes.
Sonalben Patel secured bronze in women’s singles Class 3, while Bhavina Patel won bronze in the women’s singles Class 4-5 event. The Prime Minister also praised Ravanni Valasanaini for recording a personal best in the women’s 1500m T11.
Prachi Pandey’s bronze in women’s singles Class 6 was highlighted as a milestone for Indian para table tennis, with Modi noting that she had won the medal on her debut at the Games.
In powerlifting, Ashok won silver in the men’s 65kg category, while Manish Narwal secured silver in the men’s 10m air pistol SH1 event. Pradeep Kumar earned silver in javelin throw, while bronze medals went to Praveen Sharma in shot put and Ayush Verma in javelin throw, who recorded a personal best.
The Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes to the athletes, commending their dedication, perseverance and commitment to sporting excellence.
