In a unique and unprecedented show of support and motivation, the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited joined forces to empower and uplift a group of 309 athletes, comprising 196 male and 113 female participants, who are set to compete in the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China, from October 22 to 28, 2023. The send-off event saw the esteemed presence of Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, the Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, the Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Information & Broadcasting, Shri Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, the Chairman of IndianOil, and senior officials from PCI.
The dignitaries were presented with memorabilia jerseys by the flagbearers of the Indian contingent heading to the Asian Para Games. Shri Puri expressed unwavering support for India’s para athletes, acknowledging their indomitable spirit, boundless determination, passion, and remarkable talent. He remarked that as these athletes embarked on this monumental journey, they carried with them the hopes and dreams of the entire nation. The send-off ceremony serves as an assurance of belief and confidence in their ability to create history at the 4th Asian Para Games.
Shri Thakur conveyed his admiration for the athletes, emphasising that they epitomised the true essence of sportsmanship and dedication. He highlighted their journey as a source of inspiration, underscoring that with determination and hard work, anyone could achieve greatness. He assured the government’s steadfast support and expressed eagerness to witness India’s pride in their achievements.
Shri Vaidya spoke about IndianOil’s commitment to exceptional talent, underscoring their pride in leading inclusivity in sports and championing India’s para athletes. He emphasised that supporting these extraordinary athletes aligned with IndianOil’s core value of ‘Nation-First’.
In a remarkable achievement, India will participate in seventeen disciplines, including five sports—Canoe, Blind Football, Lawn Bowls, Rowing, and Taekwondo—for the very first time. The send-off ceremony was a celebration of these athletes and aimed to instil them with encouragement and determination.
Dr Deepa Malik, the President of the Paralympic Committee of India and herself an Asian Games medallist, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support, stating that the path these athletes had trodden was marked by dedication, unwavering determination, and countless hours of hard work. She regarded their participation in the 4th Asian Para Games as a testament to their unshakable spirit and the support of IndianOil, the government, and all well-wishers who had stood by their side.
Shri Gursharan Singh, the Secretary General of the Paralympic Committee of India, delivered a powerful message to the athletes, highlighting that the send-off ceremony was not merely a farewell; it was a celebration of their strength, courage, and determination. He reminded them that they were not only representing India but also carrying the hopes and dreams of millions. He urged them to let their performance in the 4th Asian Para Games serve as a shining example of the indomitable spirit of Indian athletes.
The historic performance by the Indian contingent in winning 107 medals at the recently concluded Asian Games has ignited a strong belief among the athletes, coaches, and support staff that the 4th Asian Para Games will set new records and become the most successful one in the history of Para Games in the country. As India’s 309 para athletes gear up for their journey to the 4th Asian Para Games, the entire nation stands firmly behind them. With the backing of the Indian Oil Corporation, the government, and the Paralympic Committee of India, these athletes are poised to make history, inspire others, and bring pride to India.