Paralympics 2020: Rio Paralympics Gold Medallist Mariyappan leads the way to Tokyo

New Delhi, August 18: India sent its first batch of Paralympians led by Rio Paralympics Gold medallist Mariyappan Thangavelu to Tokyo Paralympics just days ahead of the event, scheduled to start from August 24.

The first batch of the contingent left for Tokyo on Tuesday (August 18) night and comprised of nine members including 3 para-athletes and 6 support staff.

The nine member team included Thangavelu, who is also India's flag bearer for the Tokyo Paralympics, along with Discus thrower Vinod Kumar and Men's Javelin thrower Tek Chand will reach Tokyo on Wednesday (August 18).

Before they left for Tokyo, the contingent was given a send-off by the members of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport.

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On Tuesday (August 18), the Indian contingent also interacted with the Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi via video conference where he had praised the para-athletes for overcoming so many obstacles in life.

The PM also said, "we have to keep on improving our ways and system to develop a sports culture in India, shed fears of earlier generations."

Thanking the honourable Prime Minister for his interaction with the Tokyo Paralympics contingent, President of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) Mrs Deepa Malik said "I am grateful to Prime Minister for the cheerful send-off this morning, he has motivated the athletes who are leaving for Tokyo and filled them with warmth and joy."

Deepa Malik also thanked the Sports Ministry, Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the respective sport federations for their support.

"I would also like to thank the Sports Ministry, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the federations for their continued support, especially during this tough time of the COVID 19 pandemic when we didn't know what will happen and if the Tokyo Paralympics will take place or not," she added.

"Without their constant help and support, we would not have been able to help the athletes train during the tough times and get them ready for the global event. I am sure the athletes will do their absolute best to keep the Indian flag flying high at Tokyo Paralympics."

India is sending its largest-ever contingent to Tokyo Paralympics with 54 athletes who are set to compete in 9 sport disciplines. The mega event will kick off on 24th August and will go on till 5th September.

Source: Media Release