NEW DELHI: The seventh edition of the Paralympic story, in association with the State Bank of India, was held on Thursday, with the para athletes exuding confidence to corner glory at the upcoming Paris Paralympics, scheduled in August-September.
Among the differently-abled athletes present on the occasion were para archer Rakesh, who won two gold at the Hangzhou Para Asian Games, and Sarita Adhana -- a silver medallist at the Hangzhou Games.
Several up and coming para athletes, who have shown promise at the international stage, too, were in attendance. The ceremony was kick-started with a lamp lighting by Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) president, Devendra Jhajharia, who was accompanied by senior officials from the SBI.
Jhajharia thanked all the stakeholders to help develop the para sports in the country and for making efforts so that the paralympic story reaches greater heights.
The event saw a panel discussion among para athletes, coaches and parents who sacrificed their lives for their children to make the country proud.
PCI secretary, Jaywant Hannamwar, extended the vote of thanks and assured the gathering that the country's para athletes will come back from the Paris Paralympics with at least 30 medals, surpassing the Tokyo Paralympics medal count of 19.
