Former President of India Ram Nath Kovind embraces India’s Special Olympics Stars felicitation ceremony at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi on Tuesday. An Indian team consisting of 194 athletes participated in the nine-day event in Berlin and the country was highly successful by winning 202 medals. India won 76 gold, 75 silver and 51 bronze medals in the tournament.
The Special Olympics World Games 2023 were held in Germany from June 17 to 25 and India tasted great success in several events, with roller skating being the most spectacular sport for the country. India won medals in 20 sports with roller skating topping the list with 31 podiums. This sport was followed by powerlifting, where India won a total of 23 medals.
Speaking on the occasion, former President Kovind appreciated and congratulated the efforts of the athlete in the event. I am here to congratulate all the medal winners. India is proud of your success in Berlin. You performed brilliantly in Burlingame through the exposure our government gave you,” the president said.
Notably, India finished second behind hosts Germany in the World Games. Kovind was proud of this effort. “I am told that we stood second among 180 participating countries, but I pray that next time you will rank first. Your journey was not a personal battle as you showed the strength of unity and dedication. A happy moment India became second only to our country Germany by winning 202 medals (76 gold) especially 89 medals by our daughters which indicates bright future of India.You inspired the next generation of India And we are all with you in your journey to the future,” the former President said.
During this, Delhi MP Gautam Gambhir was also present in the ceremony and he also wished the Indian players. The Indian contingent ended its successful Special Olympics World Games 2023 campaign with a double hundred of medals, i.e. 202. Many athletes won medals in sports such as roller skating, golf, basketball, tennis, handball and volleyball. Track and field athletes won six medals (2 gold, 3 silver and one bronze) on the final day, with Aanchal Goyal (400m, Level B Women) and Ravimathi Arumugam (400m, Level C Women) in the limelight. on top of the platform.