Indian Para-Badminton Contingent Felicitated for Record-Breaking Performance at Paris 2024

New Delhi: In a proud moment for Indian sports, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, today felicitated the Indian Para-Badminton contingent for their remarkable achievements at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. India secured its best-ever performance in Para-Badminton, winning a total of five medals: 1 Gold, 2 Silver, and 2 Bronze.

Addressing the athletes, Dr. Mandaviya expressed immense pride in their accomplishments. “You have made the entire nation proud with your outstanding performance. Your dedication and spirit have set a new benchmark for Indian sports,” he said.

The Indian Para-Badminton medalists included Nitesh Kumar (Gold), Suhas LY (Silver), Thulasimathi Murugesan (Silver), Nithya Sre (Bronze), and Manisha Ramadass (Bronze). Their achievements contributed to India’s total of 20 medals at the Paris Paralympics, surpassing the 19-medal haul from the Tokyo Paralympics.

For those athletes who narrowly missed out on medals, Dr. Mandaviya offered words of encouragement. “We haven’t lost medals; we have gained invaluable experience. I am confident that in future Paralympics, our medal count will rise further, and each of you will emerge as winners,” he said, boosting the morale of the entire contingent.

Reflecting on India’s progress in international sporting events, the Minister noted the significant improvement in both the Olympics and Paralympics over the past decade. “In the last 10 years, we have continuously improved our performance, proving our mettle on the global stage,” he added.

Dr. Mandaviya reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting para-athletes through enhanced facilities, training, and opportunities. He emphasized the continued support for athletes under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), which has been instrumental in their success. The para-athletes also shared their experiences and expressed gratitude to the government for its backing, citing TOPS as a key factor in their preparation and performance.

The government facilitated 19 foreign exposure trips for 13 para shuttlers in the lead-up to the Paris Paralympics, further demonstrating its commitment to the development of para-sports in India.