Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met India’s Special Olympics World Winter Games contingent in Parliament and congratulated the athletes for their remarkable achievement. The Indian team secured a total of 33 medals, including 8 gold, 18 silver, and 7 bronze, in the prestigious international event.
Expressing his pride in their success, Modi praised the athletes for their dedication and determination. “I am immensely proud of our athletes who have brought glory to the nation at the Special Olympics World Winter Games held in Turin, Italy. Our incredible contingent has brought home 33 medals. Met the contingent in Parliament and congratulated them for their accomplishments,” he posted on X.
The Indian team, consisting of 30 athletes and 19 support staff, showcased outstanding performances across six sporting disciplines. The team won 10 medals each in snowshoeing and alpine skiing, 6 medals in snowboarding, 4 in short track speed skating, 2 in cross-country skiing, and 1 in floorball.
Recognising their achievements, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has announced an increase in cash prizes for the medallists. Gold medal winners will receive ₹20 lakh, while silver and bronze medallists will be awarded ₹14 lakh and ₹8 lakh, respectively.
The Special Olympics World Winter Games, held in Italy, saw participation from 1,500 athletes representing 102 countries, competing across eight sports disciplines. India’s contingent, comprising 30 athletes, three officials, and 16 support staff, was among the largest at the event.
The Union Sports Ministry has placed significant emphasis on supporting specially-abled athletes.
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) organised 11 national coaching camps in various cities, including Chandigarh, Narkanda, New Delhi, Gwalior, Noida, and Gurgaon, to ensure the athletes were well-prepared for the global competition.
Additionally, SAI provided essential equipment for training and competition, while the Sports Ministry covered airfare, boarding, and lodging expenses for the Indian contingent. This comprehensive support played a crucial role in the team’s success at the Special Olympics World Winter Games.
Follow us
