"You are all winners and role models," Prime Minister Narendra Modi told India's top para athletes, who are set to compete in the upcoming Tokyo Paralympics. Modi virtually interacted with 10 athletes, including 2016 Rio edition gold winners Devendra Jhajharia and Mariyappan Thangavelu, and urged them to compete without pressure. The Prime Minister said he is hopeful that the para athletes will create history at the Games. "Our villages and remote areas are full of talent and the contingent of para athletes is a living example of that. "Laws like ‘The Rights for Persons with Disabilities Act’ and initiatives like ‘Sugamya Bharat Campaign’ are changing lives and giving confidence to numerous talents all over the country," Modi said.

Source: Hindustan Times August 17, 2021 09:33 UTC