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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.

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.

India's para-athletes have etched their names in history with a record-breaking medal haul of 29 at the Paralympics. This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone in the country's Paralympic journey, surpassing the previous record of 19 medals in Tokyo.The contingent of 84 athletes showcased exceptional determination and talent, with established stars delivering on expectations and new faces making their mark. Seven of the 29 medals were gold, a first for India, which has only recently emerged as a force in Paralympic sports.Track and field events proved to be a major source of success, with 17 medals, including a bronze for sprinter Preethi Pal in the women's 100m T35 class. Pal's achievement is particularly inspiring, as she was born with weak legs that have progressively worsened.Another first-ever medal came in judo, with Kapil Parmar securing a bronze in the men's 60kg J1 class. Parmar's story is one of resilience, having overcome a life-altering accident in his childhood.Archery and club throw also contributed significantly to India's medal tally. Harvinder Singh won gold in archery, while Dharambir and Pranav Soorma finished first and second in the club throw event.Armless archer Sheetal Devi, who uses her legs to shoot, became a crowd favorite with her mixed team bronze. Her determination and spirit inspired millions, demonstrating that anything is possible with perseverance.Defending champions Sumit Antil and Avani Lekhara lived up to expectations, winning gold in javelin throw and air rifle shooting, respectively. Badminton player Kumar Nitesh also claimed gold, overcoming a train accident that resulted in the loss of his leg.India's success at the Paralympics is a testament to the government's increased investment in training, recovery, and support staff. The Target Olympic Podium Scheme has played a crucial role in providing resources to para-athletes.While India has made significant progress, there is still room for improvement. Creating a pool of para swimmers would enhance the country's chances of finishing in the top 10 at future Paralympics.

Haider Ali, Pakistan's sole para-athlete bound for the Paris Paralympics, embarked on his journey to the French capital on Monday, accompanied by his coach Akbar Ali. The Games, scheduled to commence on August 28 with an opening ceremony, will follow the successful conclusion of the Olympics earlier this month.Hailing from Gujranwala, Haider will represent Pakistan in the F37 category of the discus throw event on September 6. This will mark his fifth appearance at the quadrennial event, where he has consistently showcased his exceptional abilities. In the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Haider clinched a gold medal in the discus throw with an impressive throw of 55.26 meters.Prior to his triumph in Tokyo, Haider had secured a silver medal in the long jump at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics and a bronze in the same event at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. Unfortunately, an injury prevented him from competing in the 2012 London Paralympics.Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Director General Yasir Pirzada expressed confidence in Haider's abilities, stating, "We are honored to send Haider Ali to the Paralympics once again. His exceptional talent and dedication make him a top contender for another medal, and we are confident that he will make Pakistan proud again."The Paris Paralympics will witness the participation of over 4,000 athletes from 170 countries, showcasing the remarkable abilities of athletes with various physical disabilities. In the recently concluded Paris Olympics, Pakistan's javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem made history by clinching a gold medal with an Olympic record throw of 92.97m, opening Pakistan's medal tally.Haider Ali's journey to the Paralympics is a testament to his unwavering determination and the indomitable spirit of Pakistani athletes. His achievements have not only brought glory to Pakistan but have also inspired countless individuals with disabilities to pursue their dreams.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent interaction with the Indian contingent for the upcoming Paris Paralympics has ignited a surge of excitement and anticipation. India is poised to field its largest-ever contingent at the Paralympics, with 84 athletes set to compete in 12 sports. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the unwavering determination and exceptional talent of India's para-athletes.The Paris Paralympics, commencing on August 28th, will showcase the extraordinary abilities of these athletes. India's contingent will participate in archery, athletics, badminton, canoeing, cycling, blind judo, powerlifting, rowing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, and taekwondo. The inclusion of para-cycling, para-rowing, and blind judo marks a significant expansion of India's participation in the Paralympics.Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, expressed his confidence in the athletes' abilities. He emphasized that the Indian para-athletes have consistently demonstrated that any obstacle can be overcome with willpower and dedication. Mandaviya highlighted the nation's unwavering support for the contingent and expressed optimism that they will bring glory to the country.At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, India achieved its most successful performance, winning 19 medals. This included five gold, eight silver, and six bronze medals. The Indian contingent's performance at the 2022 Asian Para Games was equally impressive, with the athletes securing 111 medals. These achievements serve as a testament to the remarkable progress made by India's para-athletes.The Paris Paralympics will provide a platform for these athletes to showcase their exceptional skills and inspire the nation. The Indian contingent's participation in the Games is a symbol of hope, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of human potential.

India has announced its largest-ever contingent of 84 athletes to compete at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, scheduled from August 28 to September 8. This marks a significant increase from the 54 athletes sent to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, including 14 women. Notably, India will participate in three new sports at Paris 2024: para-cycling, para-rowing, and blind judo, bringing the total number of sports to 12.Arshad Shaik and Jyoti Gaderiya will represent India in para-cycling, while Kapil Parmar and Kokila will compete in blind judo. Anita and K. Narayana will participate in para-rowing.India's most successful Paralympic Games was Tokyo 2020, where the country won 19 medals, including five gold, eight silver, and six bronze. Avani Lekhara, who won gold in the women's R2 10m air rifle standing SH1 event, will return to compete in Paris 2024. Sumit Antil, the gold medalist in men's F64 javelin throw, will also participate.Table tennis player Bhavina Patel, who won India's first Paralympics medal in the sport, will compete in the women's singles and doubles events. Harvinder Singh, the first Indian to win an archery medal at the Paralympics, will appear in individual and mixed team recurve events.

Deepa Malik, India's pioneering Paralympic medalist, has been appointed as the sub-regional representative for South Asia by the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC). This historic appointment marks a significant step towards gender diversity and athlete-centric leadership in para-sports.Malik's appointment brings the number of female representatives on the APC Executive Board to five, the highest in the organization's history. Her role will involve representing South Asian nations and advocating for the development and promotion of para-sports across the region.APC President Majid Rashed hailed Malik's appointment, recognizing her extensive experience and skills. He expressed confidence that she would effectively represent the South Asia Sub Region on the APC Executive Board.Malik expressed her honor and commitment to her new role. She emphasized the importance of representing South Asia and contributing to the collective growth of para-sports. Her appointment aligns with the Paralympic Committee of India's (PCI) mission to foster excellence and inclusivity in para-sports.PCI President Devendra Jhajharia welcomed Malik's appointment, calling it a defining moment for Indian Paralympics. He pledged PCI's collaboration with Malik and the APC to develop para-sports in the region.Malik's appointment showcases India's leadership and commitment to the global para-sports community. It is a testament to her unwavering dedication to empowering athletes with disabilities and promoting the transformative power of sports.

Indian Paralympic legend Devendra Jhajharia has been elected as the new president of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI). The 42-year-old javelin thrower, who has won three Paralympic medals, including two golds and a silver, takes over from Deepa Malik, a Paralympics silver medalist athlete.Jhajharia's election comes after a period of turmoil for the PCI. In February, the Sports Ministry suspended the government recognition of the PCI due to delays in holding elections and non-compliance with guidelines. The Sports Ministry had also criticized the PCI's decision to hold the election on March 28 as "willful, intentional, and without any valid reason."Following the suspension, the PCI announced that the elections would be held on March 9 in New Delhi. The Sports Ministry subsequently revoked the suspension of the PCI with immediate effect, citing the PCI's commitment to hosting the 2024 World Shooting Para Sport World Cup later this month.Jhajharia's election is a significant step for the PCI. The three-time Paralympic medalist is a respected figure in the Paralympic movement and is expected to bring stability and leadership to the organization. He has pledged to work towards the development of para-sports in India and to ensure that Indian athletes have the best possible support and opportunities to succeed at the highest level.