Indian Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya lavished praise on athletes representing India in their respective fields in an interactive session to discuss India's preparation for the multisport event at the Major Dhyanchand National Stadium organized by the Delhi Sports Journalist Association (DSJA) in collaboration with Sports Authority of India (SAI).
“The new age India has seen a lot of progress but this is just the beginning. By 2047, when we complete 100 years of Independence, we aspire to be among the leaders in sports in the world and hence, it is important to have platforms such as this for an elaborate discussion. The journalists covering these sports are also responsible for capturing the emotions that an athlete goes through when they win a medal, or even represent the country at this stage. I wish our athletes all the best for the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics and I am sure they will make our country proud” said Mandaviya.
Two-time Paralympics javelin throw champion Devendra Jhajharia revealed that in 2004 he spent money from his pocket when he clinched a gold medal while breaking the World record. He clinched the Gold medal in 2016 Rio Olympics after missing 2008 and 2012 seasons of the game.
"In 2004, when I went to the Athens Paralympics, I spent money from my own pocket. I went and won the gold and also broke the world record. Since then, there has been a lot of progress in Indian sports. After missing out on the 2008 and 2012 editions of the Paralympics, I returned for the 2016 Rio Olympics and clinched the gold. Now, as the president of the PCI, I am 100 percent sure that we will do very well in both the Olympics and the Paralympics. Our target is to cross the 25-medal tally this time around. Our slogan is "Abki baar, 25 paar" said Jhajharia.
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