NEW DELHI: A welcome ceremony was hosted on Tuesday by Special Olympics Bharat at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi for the special athletes who made India proud at the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2023 hosted in Berlin. The Indian contingent displayed an impressive performance during the world games and returned with 202 medals, which includes 76 gold, 75 silver and 51 bronze medals. The athletes received a token of appreciation amidst a huge round of applause from the gathering.
The former Indian President Shri Ram Nath Kovind graced the occasion with his presence as the chief guest. He was joined by the Hon'ble Minister of Ports, Waterways & Shipping and Minister of AYUSH Shri Sarbananda Sonowal as the Guest of Honours. Members of Parliament - Gautam Gambhir and Manoj Tiwari, and Leader of Opposition, Legislative Assembly, Delhi Shri Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, were also a part of the felicitation ceremony.
Speaking at the event, Hon'ble 14th President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji said , “Our Indian athletes won 202 medals, with 76 Gold, 75 Silver and 51 Bronze medals at the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2023. It makes me elated that out of 202 medals, our daughters won 89 medals. This fact paints a picture of a happy India. As we move forward, I hope you all remember that your journey does not end here. Special Olympics World Summer Games 2023 Berlin was a platform to showcase your talents and sheer determination.”
Member of Parliament and former Indian cricketer Shri Gautam Gambhir said while appreciating the athletes, “I would like to congratulate all 202 medal winners who represented our country admirably at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin in 2023. At the same time, I extend my congratulations to the athletes who placed second because they represented 140 crore people. In sports, we always talk about statistics and numbers. But as a sportsperson, I am aware of the amount of work and commitment required to represent a nation. All athletes, whether they win or not, put in equal hardwork behind the scenes.
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