Indian para-athletes have achieved a historic milestone with their highest-ever medal tally in the Para Asian Games, amassing a total of 111 medals, including 29 gold medals. This remarkable feat surpasses India’s previous performances in the Para Asian Games, with only 14 medals in 2010, 33 in 2014, and 72 in 2018. This outstanding achievement propels India to its highest-ever ranking in the games, securing the 5th position in the overall medal tally.
India sent its largest-ever contingent to this year’s games, consisting of 303 athletes, including 191 male and 112 female participants. Notably, female athletes contributed significantly to the medal tally, winning 40 medals, which accounts for 36% of the total medals won.
Speaking about this extraordinary performance, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, credited the dedication of the athletes and the effectiveness of sports policies implemented under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Initiatives such as the Khelo India Scheme at the grassroots level and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme for elite athletes have played pivotal roles in nurturing and supporting athletes. Additionally, the significant threefold increase in the sports budget since 2014 has provided enhanced support in terms of coaches, training, foreign exposure, dietary plans, and sports infrastructure.
Minister Thakur also emphasized that India’s sporting prowess is on the rise, demonstrated by exceptional performances at various international events, including the recently concluded Asian Games, Para Asian Games, Olympics, Paralympics, Commonwealth Games, and Deaflympics. This collective success not only showcases India’s growing strength in sports but also positions the country as a potential host for major global events, as indicated by Prime Minister Modi’s recent statements during the IOC meeting, expressing India’s readiness to host prestigious events like the Youth Olympics in 2030 and the Summer Olympics in 2036.