Yogesh Kathuniya to PM Modi: “For Everyone You Are The Prime Minister, But For Us, You Are Our ‘Param Mitra’”
On September 13, 2024, in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a special meet-and-greet session with India’s para-athletes, celebrating their historic achievements at the recent Paris Paralympics. The event was a heartwarming interaction filled with appreciation, pride, and mutual respect. It highlighted the growing recognition and support for para-athletes in India, a change that many attribute to the ongoing initiatives and policies implemented under PM Modi’s leadership. One of the most touching moments came from two-time Paralympic silver-medallist discus thrower Yogesh Kathuniya, who expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister with the heartfelt words: “For every citizen of this country, you are our Prime Minister, but for para-athletes like us, you are our ‘Param Mitra’ (best friend).”
India’s Record-Breaking Performance at the Paris Paralympics
India’s para contingent returned home after an astounding performance at the Paris Paralympics, where they secured a record-breaking haul of 29 medals—7 gold, 9 silver, and 13 bronze. This achievement marked India’s highest-ever tally at the Paralympics and signified a new era of excellence in Indian para-sports.
The Paris Paralympics was a monumental moment for India’s para-athletes, not just in terms of medal count but also in the way the nation rallied behind them. Their success reflected years of hard work, perseverance, and dedication, supported by various government initiatives designed to uplift differently-abled athletes. Their achievements were not only a triumph for the athletes themselves but also a victory for the entire nation, demonstrating the power of resilience, hope, and inclusivity.
PM Modi’s Warm Reception and Recognition
Upon their return to India, the para-athletes were immediately honored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a special felicitation ceremony. Modi, known for his enthusiastic support of Indian athletes, took the time to personally congratulate and interact with the athletes, recognizing their efforts and the impact they’ve had on changing the perception of differently-abled people in the country.
During the event, Modi asked the athletes to share their experiences from the Paralympics. Among those who shared their stories were celebrated athletes such as Nishad Kumar, Sumit Antil, Kapil Parmar, Yogesh Kathuniya, and Simran Sharma.
Yogesh Kathuniya, who clinched a silver medal in the men’s discus throw F-56 event with a season-best effort of 42.22 meters in Paris, was particularly vocal in expressing his appreciation for the Prime Minister’s continued support of para-athletes. His words, comparing Modi to a “Param Mitra” (best friend), resonated deeply with everyone present. Kathuniya credited the Prime Minister for the consistency in the athletes’ performances, pointing out that the various schemes and initiatives launched by the government had played a pivotal role in their success.
“For everybody, PM means Prime Minister, but for us, you are our ‘Param Mitra’ (best friend),” Kathuniya said, reflecting the deep gratitude the para-athletes felt towards Modi’s unwavering support.
In response, Modi humbly acknowledged Kathuniya’s sentiments and expressed his pride in the athletes. “I feel proud for this post, and I also want to work as a ‘Mitra’ (friend) with you all,” the Prime Minister replied, further emphasizing the mutual respect and camaraderie between him and the para-athletes.
Sumit Antil’s Emotional Tribute to Modi
Another poignant moment during the ceremony came from javelin thrower Sumit Antil, who won back-to-back gold medals at the Tokyo and Paris Paralympics. Antil, who had promised Modi after his gold win in Tokyo that he would bring home another gold, proudly presented his second gold medal to the Prime Minister.
“This is my back-to-back gold medal. When I returned with gold from Tokyo, you (PM) took a promise from me that I needed two more gold medals like this, so this second gold is for you, sir,” Antil said, fulfilling his promise. He also shared how a personal conversation with Modi on August 20 gave him the motivation he needed to defend his title and push through the pressure of expectations.
“I was a bit nervous when I went to defend my gold, but when I spoke to you on August 20, I got the motivation to do well. I thank you on behalf of my team because we feel that if we return with a medal, we can meet you and talk to you,” Antil added, reflecting the deep bond between the athletes and their Prime Minister.
Changing Perceptions: Modi’s Message to the Nation
Modi took the opportunity to highlight how the achievements of para-athletes are playing a crucial role in transforming the way differently-abled people are perceived in society. He acknowledged the unique challenges faced by para-athletes and commended their strength and perseverance.
“God has given you extra qualities, although you might have some physical difficulties. You are not scared of winning or losing. You don’t have any burden, and that is your biggest quality,” Modi said, acknowledging the mental and emotional strength that para-athletes possess.
He continued by expressing his desire to see a cultural shift in the way the country views differently-abled individuals. “Through you, I want to see a culture (change) in the country. I want to change the way people look at you. There is a new environment for you people. The outlook has changed. Your contribution is making a great change in society; how they look at you. You are creating trust among all para people that ‘I am no less’… a medal doesn’t matter,” Modi told the athletes.
The Prime Minister’s words underscored the significance of para-athletes’ accomplishments beyond the realm of sports. Their successes are helping to challenge and dismantle outdated perceptions of disability, proving that differently-abled individuals are just as capable, talented, and deserving of recognition as anyone else.
Acknowledging Coaches and Support Staff
Modi also took the time to recognize the hard work and dedication of the coaches and support staff who played an integral role in the athletes’ success. “In every sport, support staff matters a lot; there is hard work. But working with para-athletes is really difficult. You need dedication for that, devise strategies for para-athletes. Coaches of para-athletes have extraordinary skills because you can teach technique to ordinary athletes, but you need to teach the way of life to para-athletes,” the Prime Minister noted.
His comments highlighted the unique challenges faced by coaches and support staff in training para-athletes, emphasizing the level of commitment and innovation required to guide them to success.
Special Moments: Navdeep Singh’s Tribute and Sheetal Devi’s Signature
One of the most memorable moments from the event came from Navdeep Singh, who won a gold medal in the men’s javelin throw F41 final with a personal best of 47.32 meters. Singh, who competes in the F41 classification due to his short stature, shared his own anxieties before the competition and how the support of his fellow athletes helped him stay motivated.
“My event was last, so I left for Paris on August 21. But when medals started coming, I was tense thinking, ‘Everyone is winning medals, what will happen to me?’ But all the medallists shared their experiences with me, and it gave me motivation, and I won,” Navdeep shared, with gratitude evident in his words.
In a heartwarming gesture, Navdeep got his throwing arm signed by Modi, adding a personal and unforgettable touch to the occasion. Modi also received a signed T-shirt from para-archer Sheetal Devi, a unique keepsake to remember the special bond between the athletes and their Prime Minister.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Triumph and Unity
The meet-and-greet event between Prime Minister Modi and India’s para-athletes was a celebration of their triumphs and a testament to the evolving culture of inclusivity and support for differently-abled athletes in India. It was a powerful reminder that sports have the ability to unite, inspire, and create positive change in society.
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