New Delhi [India]Devendra Jhajharia, President of the Indian Paralympic Committee and renowned Paralympic athlete, has expressed confidence in the performance of Indian athletes at the upcoming Paris Paralympic Games.
With more than two decades of experience at the Paralympic Games, Jhajharia's insight and optimism are based on his close relationship with the athletes and a deep knowledge of their abilities and performances.
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“I have been a part of the Paralympics for over 20 years. I know every athlete personally. I know their game and their performances,” Jharia said, highlighting his deep involvement in the Indian Paralympic sports community.
He spoke about the strength of the team, noting that 50 athletes will participate under the Targeted Olympic Podium Programme (TOPS), and 16 additional athletes from India's first Paralympics will also participate.
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He added: “50 athletes will participate in the Paralympic Games under the TOPS programme. 16 athletes from our first Paralympic Games will also participate.
“We have helped many athletes through CSR sponsorship,” he said.
Jahjaharia said that sponsorship provided by companies as part of social responsibility plays an important role in supporting these athletes. He praised the hard work and dedication of the athletes over the past three years and expressed confidence in their ability to excel.
“After seeing the hard work and training of our athletes for three years, I can say that we will win more than 25 medals and India will be among the top 20 countries in total medals,” Jhajaharia added confidently.
He stressed that the upcoming Paris Paralympics are important for the Indian team.
“We have taken the responsibility of organising the Paralympic Games in Paris as our mission,” he said.
He publicly congratulated the 84-man team, saying every athlete had the potential to win a medal.
“Among our 84-member team, all of them were able to win medals,” Jhajharia added.
Speaking of his own experience, Jhajharia recalled the lack of appreciation and support during his first Paralympics in 2004, where he had to cover the costs himself despite winning a medal.
“When I first went to the Paralympics in 2004 and won a medal, no one recognised me and there was no media at the airport to greet me. I spend my own money to cover my expenses,” he said.
Highlighting the change in recognition of athletes with special needs in India, Jhajharia praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving a new identity and support to athletes with special needs.
“Now Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a new identity to the athletes,” he said, acknowledging the positive changes that have improved the morale and visibility of the athletes.
As the Indian delegation gears up to compete at the Paris Paralympic Games, confidence and hope are in the air, raising expectations about the country's performance on the world stage. (ANI)
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