The 24th National Para Athletics Championship was celebrated today at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi honoring the winning athletes and encouraging them to continue their dedication in sports and life.

Odisha Achieves Significant Medal Tally

Odisha’s contingent performed admirably, winning 17 medals including 5 golds. In the overall ranking, Haryana secured first place, Tamil Nadu second, and Gujarat third. The state-level athletes’ success reflects their perseverance and determination to overcome personal challenges.

CM’s Message to Para Athletes

Addressing the winners, the Chief Minister emphasized that true victory lies not just in sports but in conquering life’s struggles. He praised the athletes for transforming their weaknesses into strengths and encouraged them to represent India at international competitions with pride and excellence.

Looking Ahead to International Events

CM Majhi highlighted the upcoming World Indoor Athletics Championships 2028 in Bhubaneswar as another opportunity for Odisha to showcase its talent globally. He urged all athletes to continue striving for excellence, drawing inspiration from Olympic medalists like Pramod Bhagat and V. Ramesh Rao.

Participation and Leadership

The championship saw 1,460 para-athletes from 28 states participating. The Chief Minister personally congratulated Odisha’s 40-strong contingent, motivating them to continue achieving success at national and international levels.

Key dignitaries present included:

• Suryabanshi Suraj, Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs
• Sachin R. Yadav, Secretary, Sports Department
• Jaywant G.H., Secretary, Paralympic Committee
• Satyaranayan, President, Para Athletics
• Kamalakanta Rath, President, Para Sports Association of Odisha

Odisha’s Commitment to Sports Development

The Chief Minister reiterated the state government’s commitment to developing sports infrastructure, identifying talent, providing training, and organizing national and international competitions. He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his support in advancing sports and athletic opportunities in Odisha and across India.

This celebration marks another milestone in Odisha’s journey to becoming a leading hub for para-athletics in India, fostering talent and inspiring the next generation of athletes.