'In 2016 Our Contingent Size Was 19, This Year We Have Won 19 Medals': Anurag Thakur Hails Athletes Of Tokyo Paralympics

Following the stellar show by Indian athletes at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi is set to host the Paralympians upon their return to India, reports Economic Times.

Sharing the development, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur added that in 2016 paralympics, the size of the Indian contingent was 19, while this year the country has won as many as 19 medals.

Thakur asserted, "It clearly shows that India has done well. Our medal tally has increased by about five times. It is a big achievement. A big congratulations to all the athletes." He also called on all the sports federations to formulate big plans for the 2024 and 2028 Olympics so that India improves its position further.

Thakur also said, "The biggest thing is the changing attitude towards sports. When the government is giving all sorts of facilities and when Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself speaks to the sportspersons and encourages them, it has an impact on every section of the society, whether be it individual, corporate, sports associations or any other organisation."