Modi hosts Deaflympics contingent, lauds players

New Delhi, May 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hosted India’s Deaflympics contingent which produced its best-ever performance in the event held in Caxias do Sul, Brazil, from May 1 to 15.

During his interaction with the athletes, Modi said the athletes have brought pride and glory to the nation.

“I will never forget the interaction with our champions who have brought pride and glory for India at the Deaflympics. The athletes shared their experiences and I could see the passion and determination in them. My best wishes to all of them,” Modi tweeted after hosting the athletes at his official residence.

For the very first time, the Indian Deaflympics team finished amongst the top 10 nations in the event with 16 medals, a huge jump from just five in 2017.

In Brazil, the Indian contingent won in five of the 11 sporting disciplines.

Shooter Dhanush also credited his family support for his continued quest for excellence. He also told how yoga and meditation helped him. He told that he considers his mother his role model. The Prime Minister paid tributes to his mother and his family for supporting him.

Shooter Priyesha Deshmukh, told about her journey, support of her family and coach Anjali Bhagwat. The Prime Minister praised Anjali Bhagwat for her role in the success of Priyesha Deshmukh.

Tennis player Jafreen Shaik also talked about support of her father and family. She expressed her happiness on interacting with the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister said that apart from being the synonymous with the prowess and capability of the daughters of the country, she is a role medal for the young girls. “You have proven that if India’s daughter set their eyes on any goal, no obstacle can stop them”, the Prime Minister added.

—