Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with the Indian contingent that participated in the Asian Para Games 2026 at Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in New Delhi on November 5, 2026. The Prime Minister highlighted the historic performance of Indian athletes, noting the remarkable journey from winning just 14 medals (including 1 gold) at the 2010 Para Asian Games to achieving 114 medals comprising 30 gold, 35 silver, and 49 bronze at the 2026 games. The contingent also set five world records and nine Asian records during the competition.
Of the 56 female athletes in the contingent, 34 won medals, and Indian players swept all three podium spots in four different events. The team clinched nine gold medals on the final day alone. The Prime Minister specifically mentioned several athletes including Mona Agarwal who set a world record in para shooting, Haney who broke his own previous world record, and Himanshu, Ravi, and Jehan for demonstrating how to overcome physical challenges. He also highlighted Rinku's emotional victory after losing his mother just two months before the games.
The government's sports development initiatives played a significant role in this success. Athletes receiving assistance from the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) won 41 medals, while Khelo India players won 19 medals. Thirty-six of the 61 debutants at the Asian Para Games won medals, with Sandeep setting a world record on his debut.
Prime Minister Modi announced the approval of the Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme worth over ₹1,800 crore, aimed at boosting domestic sports equipment manufacturing. The scheme is expected to strengthen MSMEs and create jobs in small towns and rural areas. The government's vision is for both Indian and foreign athletes to use Made-in-India sports gear, apparel, and footwear.
Additionally, the Prime Minister highlighted recent Cabinet decisions benefiting Divyangjans (persons with disabilities), including increased disability pensions, lowering the eligibility threshold from 80% to 40% disability, extending pension coverage from birth rather than age 18, creating a 10,000-word Indian Sign Language dictionary, providing sign-language schoolbooks, and making public spaces accessible under the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan.
The Prime Minister urged the athletes to begin preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Games, noting that Avani and Manish have already secured quotas for the upcoming Olympics. He emphasized that the government views sports as a vital medium for personality development and nation-building, with efforts focused on building a modern sports ecosystem through school and grassroots campaigns, Khelo India Centres, and Olympic-standard training.