Rio 2016: Paralympians to be recommended for Padma awards

New Delhi, Sep 23: In a bid to give increased recognition to their achievements, the medallists from the Rio Paralympics will be recommended for the Padma awards this year by the Sports Ministry.

PM Modi meets Rio Paralympians, says they made India proud

"Sports Ministry will recommend the names of our star #Paralympians to the Ministry of Home Affairs for the prestigious #PadmaAwards," Sports Minister Vijay Goel announced on his Twitter page.

India won four medals -- two gold, a silver and a bronze -- at the Paralympics in Rio earlier this month.

Sports Ministry will recommend the names of our star #Paralympians to the Ministry of Home Affairs for the prestigious #PadmaAwards. pic.twitter.com/3w8pHmOmW4

— Vijay Goel (@VijayGoelBJP) September 23, 2016

Thangavelu Mariyappan (High Jump) and Devendra Jhajharia (Javelin Throw) won gold medals, while Deepa Malik (Shot put) had claimed a silver.

(Rio Paralympians will also be given Khel Ratna: Sports Minister)

Varun Singh Bhati (High Jump) had won a bronze medal. The para-athletes were welcomed warmly on their return from Rio and were hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence.

PTI