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Leh, Ladakh, is set to become the home of the world's first high-altitude para sports center, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at nurturing and training para-athletes for international competitions, including the 2028 Paralympics.The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) and the Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish this state-of-the-art facility. The center will provide inclusive, world-class training to para-athletes from India and around the globe, leveraging the unique advantages of high-altitude training environments."This center will not only tap into the region's potential but also contribute significantly to India's goal of being among the top 10 countries in the next Paralympics," said Advocate Tashi Gyalson, Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of Ladakh (LAHDC).The center will offer training in a wide range of para sports, including archery, athletics, badminton, blind football, boccia, canoeing, cycling, equestrian, goalball, judo, powerlifting, rowing, shooting, volleyball, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, triathlon, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair fencing, wheelchair rugby, and wheelchair tennis.During the interim phase, AMF officials will identify and train Children with Special Needs (CwSN) from the Leh-Ladakh region at AMF's Infinity Parasports Academy and Rehabilitation Centre in Hyderabad. This will lay the foundation for aspiring athletes from Ladakh.The CEC has formed a dedicated committee to oversee the center's development and has directed officials to begin land identification for the facility.The establishment of this high-altitude para sports center is a testament to India's commitment to promoting inclusivity and empowering para-athletes. It will provide a platform for these athletes to hone their skills, compete at the highest level, and represent India with pride on the global stage.

Suma Shirur, the legendary Olympian and former chief coach of the Indian Shooting team, has been bestowed with the prestigious Coach of the Year (Female) award at the Indian Sports Honours 2024. This accolade recognizes her exceptional contributions to Indian shooting and her unwavering commitment to promoting gender equality in sports.As the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic final, Shirur has played a pivotal role in guiding the Indian shooting team to unprecedented success at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics. Under her mentorship, India's shooters have claimed three Olympic medals, including a historic gold medal for Avani Lekhara in the Women's 10m event at the Paralympics.Shirur's coaching philosophy emphasizes resilience, focus, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. She has created a nurturing environment where athletes can thrive and reach their full potential. Her dedication to developing young talent is evident through her Lakshya Shooting Club, which has mentored over 200 national-level shooters.Beyond her coaching achievements, Shirur is a passionate advocate for gender parity in sports. She believes that every athlete, regardless of gender, deserves equal opportunities to excel. Her efforts have inspired countless young girls and women to pursue their dreams in shooting and other sports.The Indian Sports Honours is a prestigious event that celebrates the extraordinary achievements of Indian athletes, coaches, and teams. The esteemed jury panel, led by Abhinav Bindra, India's first individual Olympic gold medalist, carefully selected Shirur for this award based on her exceptional contributions to Indian shooting.In accepting the award, Shirur expressed her gratitude and emphasized her commitment to fostering a culture of excellence in Indian sports. She said, "This honor is not just mine but belongs to every athlete and team member who worked alongside me. Our journey was defined by dedication, and this award reinforces our shared goal of lifting Indian shooting to new heights."Suma Shirur's achievements and unwavering dedication to Indian shooting and gender equality serve as an inspiration to athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts alike. Her legacy will continue to shape the future of Indian sports for generations to come.

Navdeep Singh's Witty Banter with Rajpal Yadav Highlights Paralympic Champion's TriumphIndia's Paralympic gold medalist Navdeep Singh has become an internet sensation after a hilarious exchange with Bollywood star Rajpal Yadav on Kapil Sharma's "The Great Indian Kapil Show."In a viral video, Yadav praised Navdeep's gold medal, saying, "We will make a film on you." Navdeep, who stands at four feet four inches tall, quipped, "We have only a slight difference in our heights. Had it been similar, we both would have been playing together for India."The witty response from the Paris champion left the audience in stitches.Navdeep's triumph at the Paris Paralympic Games, where he clinched the gold medal in the men's javelin throw F41 category, was a historic moment for India. It marked the country's first-ever Paralympics medal in this category.Despite facing taunts and discrimination due to his dwarfism, Navdeep's determination and resilience have inspired countless people. After his return from Paris, he was hailed as a national hero, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself acknowledging his achievements.In an interview, Navdeep revealed the heartbreaking story behind his motivation. He shared that he had been urged to commit suicide because of his condition. However, he found solace and support in his father, who encouraged him to pursue his dreams.Navdeep's journey is a testament to the indomitable spirit of human beings. His success not only brings glory to India but also challenges societal norms and prejudices.

Navdeep Singh, India's Paralympic gold medalist in javelin throw, shared his inspiring journey at the NDTV Yuva Conclave. Having faced relentless taunts for his dwarfism, Navdeep's triumph at the Paris Paralympics 2024 is a testament to his unwavering spirit.During the final, Navdeep's 47.32-meter throw surprised even himself. "I didn't believe I would get that distance," he admitted. "My target was 45m."Navdeep's gold medal was India's seventh at the Paris Paralympics and 16th in its Paralympic history. But for the athlete, it held a profound significance.Growing up in Haryana's Panipat district, Navdeep endured cruel taunts of "Bauna" (dwarf). His height of four feet four inches made him an easy target for ridicule.Undeterred, Navdeep found solace in sports. He began practicing javelin throw at the age of 15 and quickly showed promise. His determination and hard work paid off when he won gold at the 2018 Asian Para Games.Navdeep's success is not just a personal triumph but also an inspiration for other specially-abled athletes. It demonstrates that with resilience and determination, anything is possible.India's record-breaking performance at the Paris Paralympics, with 29 medals including 7 golds, is a testament to the growing strength of the country's para-sports program. Navdeep Singh's gold medal is a shining example of the indomitable spirit that drives these athletes to achieve greatness.

Navdeep Singh's triumph at the Paris Paralympic Games, where he clinched the gold medal in the men's javelin throw F41 category, is a testament to his indomitable spirit and the power of perseverance. Born with dwarfism, Navdeep faced relentless taunts and discrimination throughout his life. However, he refused to let these challenges define him.Driven by an unwavering determination, Navdeep sought solace in sports. He discovered his passion for javelin throw and dedicated himself to honing his skills. Despite the lack of support and resources, he trained tirelessly, often facing ridicule and skepticism.Navdeep's journey to the Paralympics was marked by both triumph and adversity. He endured countless setbacks and injuries, but his resolve never wavered. His father, a constant source of encouragement, stood by him through thick and thin.In the lead-up to the Paris Games, Navdeep faced a particularly heartbreaking moment. He was told that he was a burden and that he should end his life. These cruel words only fueled his determination to prove his worth.At the Paralympics, Navdeep faced stiff competition. However, he remained focused and delivered a stunning performance, throwing a distance of 47.32 meters to secure the gold medal. His victory not only brought glory to India but also shattered the stigma surrounding dwarfism.Navdeep's triumph is a beacon of hope for countless individuals who face discrimination and adversity. It is a reminder that with determination and support, anything is possible. His story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the power of sports to transform lives.

Navdeep Singh's remarkable journey to Paralympic gold in the men's javelin F41 final at the 2024 Paris Paralympics has been marked not only by his athletic prowess but also by his unbridled passion and determination.Initially securing a silver medal, Navdeep's triumph was elevated to gold after Iran's Sadegh Beit Sayah was disqualified for displaying a controversial flag. The moment was captured on camera, revealing Navdeep's raw frustration and the use of strong language.Despite the initial setback, Navdeep's aggression has drawn comparisons to star Indian batter Virat Kohli. However, in a recent podcast, the 23-year-old javelin thrower revealed his admiration for Rohit Sharma."I'm a Rohit Sharma fan," Navdeep declared when asked about his preference between Kohli and MS Dhoni. "I like his batting, especially when he scored a double century."Navdeep's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence in New Delhi was another highlight of his Paralympic experience. The javelin thrower presented Modi with a cap and requested an autograph on his left arm, his throwing arm.Modi, known for his humility, obliged and signed the autograph. He also inquired about the viral video of Navdeep's outburst after his victory."Have you seen your video or not?" Modi asked. "How do you perform with such aggression?"Navdeep responded, "Last time (Tokyo Paralympics), I had finished fourth. Before leaving for Paris, I had promised you, so the promise has been fulfilled."Navdeep's journey to Paralympic gold is a testament to his unwavering spirit and the power of determination. His aggression, while not always conventional, is a reflection of his intense desire to succeed and his unwavering belief in his abilities.

Paralympian Navdeep Singh's triumph at the 2024 Paralympic Games has not only brought glory to India but also showcased his multifaceted personality. After securing the gold medal in the men's javelin F41 final, Singh's aggressive celebration became an instant viral sensation.Beyond his athletic prowess, Singh's fun-loving side emerged during an interview on Shubhankar Mishra's podcast. When asked about his favorite Bollywood movie, Singh surprisingly chose the horror-comedy "Stree 2." His preference for actress Tamannaah Bhatia over Shraddha Kapoor elicited laughter from the hosts.Singh's versatility extended to mimicry, but he respectfully declined a request to imitate Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I can't. I respect him a lot. He is the pride of our country, so it won't be right to mimic him," he stated.Singh's encounter with PM Modi was equally memorable. Modi teased him about his wild celebration, prompting Singh to explain his determination to fulfill his promise of victory. He also requested Modi's autograph on his left arm, his throwing arm, which Modi graciously granted.Singh's journey to Paralympic glory has been marked by both determination and a sense of humor. His success has not only inspired countless individuals but also highlighted the importance of embracing one's unique qualities.

Two-time Paralympic silver medalist Yogesh Kathuniya bestowed a heartfelt title upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meeting at the PM's residence. Kathuniya, who recently claimed silver in the F56 category at the World Para-Athletics Championships, expressed his gratitude for the Prime Minister's unwavering support, calling him "Param Mitra" (best friend).Kathuniya's remarkable performance at the Paris Paralympics, where he secured a silver medal in the Men's Discus Throw - F56 event with a season-best throw of 42.22m, was a testament to his dedication and resilience. The Prime Minister, recognizing the para-athletes' exceptional achievements, hosted them at his residence to celebrate their record-breaking haul of 29 medals at the Games.In a heartfelt address, Kathuniya acknowledged the Prime Minister's role in fostering a supportive environment for para-athletes. "The consistency (in performance) came because of you; it came because of the schemes you have launched like TOPS, Khelo India etc. For everybody, PM means Prime Minister but for us, you are our 'param mitra' (best friend)," he said.Prime Minister Modi expressed his pride in the para-athletes' accomplishments and emphasized his commitment to supporting their endeavors. "I feel proud for this post and I also want to work as a 'mitra' with you all," he replied.India's impressive performance at the Paris Paralympics, with seven gold, nine silver, and 13 bronze medals, marked a significant milestone in the country's Paralympic history. The contingent surpassed its previous record set at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics (19) and crossed the 50-medal mark, bringing its overall medal tally to 60 (16 gold, 21 silver, and 23 bronze).A record 84 para-athletes represented India at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, competing across 12 disciplines, three more than at Tokyo 2020. Their determination and unwavering spirit have inspired the nation and set a new benchmark for para-sports in India.

Paralympian Navdeep Singh's emotional outburst at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris has sparked a discussion about the pressures and challenges faced by athletes with disabilities. Singh, who ultimately secured the gold medal in the men's javelin F41 final, was captured on camera displaying raw frustration and using strong language after a throw that initially secured him a silver medal.The incident occurred after Sadegh Beit Sayah of Iran was disqualified for displaying a controversial flag during the competition. Singh's silver medal was subsequently upgraded to gold, giving India its seventh gold medal at the Paris Para Games.In an interview with IANS, Singh admitted to being carried away by the aggression of the moment. "We have put in lots of hard work in our preparation, so it all happens," he said. "I have practiced for five years in Delhi, so it's in the air and water of Delhi that these things happen."Singh's frustration stemmed from the fact that he had gone beyond the 42-meter mark in training but had not expected to throw as far as he did in the final. "I was fully prepared before the final," he said. "Coach was happy with my throw, so I was also happy. I didn't expect the distance which I threw in the final, but it all went good."Despite the emotional outburst, Singh expressed gratitude for the support he received from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "We met out Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he wished us luck and told that Paralympians are nation's pride," he said.Singh's victory is a testament to the resilience and determination of athletes with disabilities. It also highlights the importance of providing support and understanding to these athletes as they navigate the challenges of competition and the pressures of representing their country.