Archive · 27 Aug 2026
Modi Praises India’s Para Athletes for Transforming Lives
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised India’s para athletes for their achievements.
He said these athletes show how sports can help people overcome difficult challenges.
Their success can also give hope and confidence to their families.
Modi mentioned Sheetal Devi, Avani Lekhara, Sumit Antil, Nitesh Kumar and Jandu Kumar.
Sheetal won a Paralympic medal, while Avani Lekhara won Paralympic medals twice.
Modi said sports teach people to keep trying after they fall down.
He also said sports can help build healthier families and communities.
The government wants to improve training, sports universities and facilities for athletes.
He invited young people to share ideas about India’s sports system through the Khelo India platform.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised India’s para athletes during the Khelo India Dialogue.
He said their achievements inspire families and communities beyond the medals they win.
Modi highlighted Sheetal Devi, Avani Lekhara, Sumit Antil, Nitesh Kumar and Jandu Kumar.
He said sports teach resilience, competition and lessons that strengthen families and society.
Modi outlined efforts to build a modern sports ecosystem from grassroots talent identification to international competition.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India’s para athletes, including Sheetal Devi, Avani Lekhara, Sumit Antil, Nitesh Kumar and Jandu Kumar.
- What
- Modi praised para athletes and discussed the role of sports in improving lives and strengthening India’s sporting system.
- When
- Thursday.
- Where
- During a virtual address to youth at the Khelo India Dialogue; the report is datelined New Delhi.
- Why
- To recognize the athletes’ achievements and encourage youth participation in shaping India’s sports ecosystem.
- Event
- Khelo India Dialogue
- Speaker
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Athletes highlighted
- Sheetal Devi, Avani Lekhara, Sumit Antil, Nitesh Kumar and Jandu Kumar
- Sheetal Devi
- Modi said she won a medal at the Paralympics.
- Avani Lekhara
- Modi said she won Paralympic medals twice.
- Government focus
- Building a modern sports ecosystem spanning talent identification, training and international competition.
- Youth role
- Suggestions from young people may inform sports policy through the Khelo India platform.