New Delhi, August 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hailed India’s para athletes for overcoming adversity and inspiring families and communities, saying their achievements demonstrate how sport can transform lives and improve quality of life.
Addressing youth virtually during the Khelo India Dialogue, Modi said the success of para athletes carries significance beyond medals, particularly for families who witness the struggles of athletes during the early stages of their careers.
“Our Para athletes are a big example of how sports change lives. When one sees a Parathlete in the field, the way of thinking about life changes. And when he achieves something, his whole family gets a new life along with that athlete,” Modi said.
He specifically recalled the achievements of para archers Sheetal Devi and Avani Lekhara, along with para athletes Sumit Antil, Nitesh Kumar and Jandu Kumar, describing them as sources of inspiration.
“Such are our Para-athletes. Such are our teammates. They inspire us too. Sports is a guarantee to a better life, and it improves our quality of life,” he said.
Modi also underlined the wider importance of sporting culture, saying sport teaches individuals how to handle success, failure and setbacks.
“Sports not only teach us to be champions but also how to be better competitors. To get up, to fall, to fall and to get up again. Sport brings this feeling inside us,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the government was working to create a modern sports ecosystem, with sports universities, training centres and systems aimed at supporting athletes from talent identification to the international stage.
He also highlighted cooperation with other countries in areas such as sports science, training and coaching.
Describing Khelo India Samvaad as a platform for youth to contribute ideas on sports, talent development and governance, Modi urged young people to participate actively and said their suggestions would help shape policy.
“Let new ideas come. These new ideas of youth will be the strength of a developed India,” he said.
Jandu Kumar recently won bronze in para powerlifting at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, becoming India’s first medallist at the Games.
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