Patna

Union Minister JP Nadda honored several para-athletes at a function in Patna on Saturday. Among those recognized were Shailesh Kumar, who finished fourth in the T63 high jump at the Paris Paralympics, and Sharad Kumar, the silver medalist in the same event.

During the event, Nadda highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on promoting sports, stating, ‘Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made sports a priority. Before, it was often overlooked, but now, there is a special plan to increase participation, especially in the Olympics. Through the Khelo India initiative, 1,000 centers have been established, with 700 currently operational’, he added.

Shailesh expressed his gratitude saying, ‘This is the first time athletes are being recognized like this in Bihar. It will greatly motivate national-level players. Reaching the Paralympics is a huge achievement for Bihar, considering the limited facilities. I hope the government continues to support us’, he said. He also promised to bring home a medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.

Sharad Kumar’s father, Surendra, praised the recognition, noting that this will boost the morale of athletes. The facilities in Bihar have improved, but more is needed. India wrapped up its historic campaign at the Paris Paralympics with 29 medals, including seven golds, nine silvers, and 13 bronzes which is their best-ever performance.