IndiaPosted at: Nov 5 2026 6:40PM


PM Modi hails Para-Athletes’ historic medal haul, Pushes for ‘Made in India’ sports gear

New Delhi, Nov 5 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed Indian para-athletes for their record-breaking performance at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, saying their remarkable achievement demonstrated what could be accomplished through dedication, determination and the ambition to aim high.
He also called for India to emerge as a global manufacturing hub for sports equipment, asserting that the country should produce not only world-class athletes but also internationally competitive sporting goods carrying the ‘Made in India’ tag.
Interacting with members of the Indian contingent at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New Delhi, Modi described the country's performance as remarkable, highlighting the extraordinary improvement in India's medal tally from just 14 medals, including one gold, at the 2010 edition of the Para Asian Games to 114 medals in the latest competition.
"What a performance by our Asian Para Games athletes! They have shown what aiming high really looks like," the Prime Minister said, congratulating the athletes, coaches and support personnel for contributing to India's best-ever performance at the continental sporting event.
Recalling India's modest medal tally in 2010, Modi said, "India had won only one gold medal in the 2010 Para Asian Games, with an overall tally of just 14 medals. This time, our athletes have returned with 114 medals. This journey from 14 to 114 medals is the result of the highest level of dedication and hard work on your part."
A contingent of 97 Indian para-athletes won 114 medals at the Aichi-Nagoya Games, comprising 30 gold, 35 silver and 49 bronze, marking a major milestone in the country's para-sporting history.
Beyond celebrating the sporting achievement, Modi stressed the need to build a robust domestic sports manufacturing industry, arguing that India's growing ambitions in international sports must be matched by its ability to manufacture equipment that meets global standards.
Referring to his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, the Prime Minister recalled his appeal to young people to participate in a talent identification campaign with the Olympics in mind. He said the government had also approved the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme to strengthen domestic production and give the sports equipment industry a fresh impetus.
"Now is the time for our sports goods manufacturing industry to achieve new milestones as well. When an Indian or foreign athlete steps onto a playing field, their sports gear, clothes and shoes should also be Made in India," Modi said.
"We want India to produce world-class players as well as manufacture world-class sports equipment," he added.
The Prime Minister's remarks reflect the government's broader ambition to develop an integrated sporting ecosystem that combines talent identification, athlete development, international competitiveness and domestic manufacturing. The emphasis on sports equipment production is also aimed at expanding India's role in the global sports goods market while creating opportunities for domestic manufacturers.
The interaction was attended by members of the Indian contingent, coaches, officials of the Paralympic Committee of India and the Indian Olympic Association, representatives of National Sports Federations and officials of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. UNI SKA AAB
Tags: #PM Modi hails Para-Athletes’ historic medal haul# Pushes for ‘Made in India’ sports gear
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