Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is making consistent progress in sports and other sectors. India's medal tally at the Paralympic Games has risen from four medals at Rio in 2016 to 20 at Tokyo, followed by an impressive 29 medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. India further achieved a remarkable milestone by winning 114 medals at the 2026 Asian Para Games, including 11 medals won by para swimmers.
More than 400 para swimmers from 26 states, including 100 women, are participating in the 26th National Para Swimming Championship being held in Bhopal. Their participation reflects the extraordinary courage, talent and determination of the athletes. The Chief Minister said that achieving successive milestones in sports is a matter of pride and encouragement. The State Government is continuously working to promote sports through expanded facilities, modern sports infrastructure and international sporting events. He also appreciated Padma Shri awardee Shri Satyendra Singh Lohia for bringing recognition to Madhya Pradesh through his outstanding achievements in sports.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was speaking at the inauguration of the 26th National Para Swimming Championship at Prakash Tarun Pushkar in Bhopal on Friday. He interacted with the participating swimmers and encouraged them. He also felicitated athletes who have brought honour to the country and the state through their outstanding performances at national and international levels by presenting them with angavastrams.
Sports Facilities and Stadiums Being Developed in Every Assembly Constituency
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that 11 sports academies are currently operational in the state. As many as 32 athletes from Madhya Pradesh represented India at the Asian Games this year, winning 12 medals, including two silver medals. The State Government is working towards developing better sports facilities and stadiums in every Assembly constituency to encourage emerging talent. Under the National Education Policy implemented in 2020, special emphasis has also been placed on encouraging sportspersons, coaches and trainers. He said that Bhopal is emerging as a hub for water sports. After hosting kayaking, canoeing and rowing competitions, the city has now also hosted sailing competitions at the Upper Lake. The upcoming major Asian hockey event at the sports stadium in Barkheda Nathu will further enhance the state's sporting profile.
The State Government is committed to increasing the number of major international sporting events in Madhya Pradesh. The state's natural beauty, tourist destinations and rich culinary traditions have long attracted visitors from across India and abroad.
Every Youth Must Stay Fit for Healthy Nation
Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Shri Vishwas Kailash Sarang said that sports are an important aspect of life. Despite physical disabilities, talented para athletes compete with remarkable determination and confidence on the sporting field. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has taken special initiatives to encourage Divyangjan and provide them with better opportunities and facilities. Para swimmers possess extraordinary abilities, just like other swimmers. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, the Madhya Pradesh Government is continuously encouraging all sports and sportspersons. As a result, Madhya Pradesh has now secured third position in national sporting competitions.
An international-standard sports stadium is being developed at Barkheda Nathu near Bhopal. For the first time, the state will host the Asian Women's Hockey Championship from November 19, with teams from six Asian countries participating. Referring to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's message, Shri Sarang said, "If the nation is to stay fit, every youth must stay fit." He emphasised the need to translate this message into action.
Chairman of the Para Swimming Federation of India, Shri Devendra Pratap Singh, said that Indian para athletes have been consistently improving the country's medal tally at successive Paralympic events. A large number of swimmers and their family members attended the programme.
