Indian Para Athletes Say PM Modi Inspired Them to Prepare for 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics

New Delhi, November 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Indian para-athletes who returned from the Asian Para Games 2026 said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s interaction with them on Thursday left them encouraged and motivated to aim for greater achievements at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games.

Several athletes, including Swati Chaudhary, Shubham Wadhwa, Pranav Soorma and Ashok Kumar Malik, shared their experiences after meeting the Prime Minister in New Delhi, highlighting his message of support for para-sports and his call to prepare for upcoming international competitions.

Swati Chaudhary, who could not speak to the Prime Minister directly, said the meeting itself was a source of pride and motivation. She added that Modi’s thoughts on sports offered encouragement to both able-bodied athletes and para-athletes.

Para-table tennis player Shubham Wadhwa, who performed at the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, described meeting the Prime Minister after winning a medal as a dream come true.

“Prime Minister gave us very positive thoughts and extended immense support to us today. He encouraged us greatly for the upcoming games, including the 2028 LA Olympics,” Wadhwa said, adding that the assurance of continued support had filled the athletes with confidence.

Pranav Soorma, who won gold in the men’s discus throw F51/52/53 event after overcoming a severe spinal injury, said the interaction had motivated the athletes to work harder and bring greater recognition to the country.

Ashok Kumar Malik, who secured silver in the men’s 65 kg para-powerlifting event, recalled that Modi congratulated him and encouraged him to begin preparing for the Los Angeles Games. Malik also shared a lighter moment from the meeting, saying the Prime Minister asked him to distribute the churma he had brought among fellow athletes.

The athletes said the Prime Minister’s interaction and encouragement had strengthened their resolve to continue working towards success on the international stage, particularly at the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.