New Delhi, October 23 (H.S.): President Droupadi Murmu on Friday congratulated Indian athletes for their outstanding performances at the Asian Para Games 2026, extending her best wishes to medal winners across para-badminton, para-table tennis, para-archery and para-athletics.

The President congratulated Naveen Sivakumar on winning gold in men’s singles para-badminton; Jehan Dorab Madan and Shubham Wadhwa on securing bronze in para-table tennis; Nitesh Kumar on winning gold and Pramod Bhagat on claiming silver in men’s singles para-badminton; Harvinder Singh and Vijay Sundi on winning gold in men’s recurve doubles; Parmod on securing silver in the men’s 1,500-metre event; Bhawna and Pooja Jatyan on winning silver in women’s recurve doubles; and Thulasimathi Murugesan on claiming silver in women’s singles para-badminton.

In a series of messages on X, Murmu praised the athletes for their achievements and expressed hope that their performances would inspire young people, particularly aspiring sportspersons seeking to excel at the highest levels of competition.

Congratulating Naveen Sivakumar on his gold medal and the Indian contingent on its bronze-medal performance in men’s doubles para-badminton, the President described the achievements as a significant milestone. She expressed confidence that such accomplishments would encourage young athletes to pursue excellence in sports.

The President also congratulated Jehan Dorab Madan and Shubham Wadhwa, noting that their medal-winning performance had marked an important step forward for Indian para-table tennis. She wished the duo continued success in their future competitions.

Praising Pramod Bhagat’s performance on the badminton court, Murmu said his achievement demonstrated the depth of talent in Indian para-badminton. She added that his performance had set a high benchmark for emerging players.

The President also commended Nitesh Kumar, the reigning Paralympic champion, for adding another significant achievement to his career. She observed that his consistent performances continued to inspire Indians, particularly the younger generation.

Extending her congratulations to Harvinder Singh and Vijay Sundi for their gold-medal-winning performance in men’s recurve doubles, Murmu said their achievement had brought pride to the country. She conveyed her best wishes for further success, highlighting the sense of national pride associated with seeing the Tricolour flying high and hearing the national anthem.

Recognising Parmod’s silver-medal performance in the men’s 1,500-metre event, the President praised his sustained pace and determination on the track. She expressed hope that he would continue to achieve success in the years ahead.

Murmu also congratulated Bhawna and Pooja Jatyan on winning silver in women’s recurve doubles. Commending their teamwork and concentration, she described their performance as an example for other athletes and wished them further success in archery.

Congratulating Thulasimathi Murugesan on her silver medal in women’s singles para-badminton, the President said her achievement would inspire young sportspersons aspiring to represent India internationally. She also wished her continued success in her sporting career.

Meanwhile, Indian para-archers Bhawna and Pooja Jatyan made history on Friday by winning silver in the women’s recurve doubles event at the Asian Para Games 2026. The pair, which trains at the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Sonepat, advanced to the final to secure the podium finish. Their achievement marked India’s first medal in the event.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar