New Delhi: India’s first woman to win a Paralympic medal, Deepa Malik, spoke about the country’s readiness to host major events featuring athletes from more than 100 countries. At the jersey launch and team announcement event for World Para Athletics Championships, she, in an exclusively conversation with News9 Sports, expressed confidence in the country’s infrastructure to host the Olympics and Paralympics in 2036.
The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) named a 73-member Indian squad for the World Para Athletics Championships on Wednesday, 27 August. The PCI also unveiled Team India’s official jersey for the tournament, which is set to begin from September 27 to October 5.
Dharambir and Preeti Pal, who delivered excellent performances at the Paris Paralympics 2024, were named India’s flag-bearers for the tournament. Dharambir won a gold medal in the men’s club Throw F51 event, and Preeti secured two bronze medals.
The event was attended by PCI’s brand ambassador, actor and MP Kangana Ranaut, along with PCI President Devendra Jhajharia, Paul Fitzgerald, and India’s top para-athletes like Dharambir, Preeti Pal, Simran, Rinku, Devender Kumar, Amisha Rawat, Shreyansh Trivedi, Varun Singh Bhati, and Pranav Soorma.
Kangana Ranaut said that it’s a special moment for her to be a part of this event, and our para-athletes are the real heroes who inspire millions of people through their dedication and strength.
“The Team India announcement alongside this jersey launch symbolises their hard work, unity, and passion. I am certain they will make the tricolour shine brightly on the global stage,” Kangana added.
PCI President Jhajharia said that the jersey launch and the announcement of the strong Team India contingent is more than just unveiling a uniform; it is a celebration of courage, determination, and the spirit of our para athletes.
“Each athlete represents India’s resilience and pride, and we are confident that this team will deliver outstanding performances at the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi,” he added.
Photo – News9 Sports (Exclusive)
“Carrying the Indian flag at this championship is a tremendous honour. After the experience in Paris, I am more motivated than ever to give my best and make the entire nation proud. This new jersey will be a symbol of our unity and fighting spirit,” said Dharambir.
“Winning medals at the Paralympics showed me the power of perseverance and belief. Wearing the Team India jersey is a proud moment, and I am excited to compete on home ground and inspire the next generation of para athletes across the country,” said Preeti Pal.
‘Hosting such a big event is proof that India is ready for the Olympics’: Deepa Malik
“When the Prime Minister himself is involved, and the entire Sports Ministry is committed, and we are hosting such events where more than 100 countries’ para-athletes are coming to our nation—this in itself is a testament to India’s preparedness. We are talking about a developed India; we are talking about bidding for the Olympics. And this becomes proof in itself that India is ready,” Deepa Malik told News9 Sports.
“Because in whichever country the Olympics are held, the Paralympics are also organized there. And often, it’s seen as a challenge whether India has the necessary infrastructure, transportation, and accommodation facilities for persons with disabilities. So when such events are hosted, the needs that arise from them—and the solutions that emerge from the government as well as from people associated with the ecosystem—lead to knowledge sharing, capacity building, and infrastructure development. This sets a momentum, a direction, where we start preparing even at the grassroots level—so that even from the remotest villages, a para-athlete can emerge and represent the country,“ she added.