Chief Minister Inaugurates National Paralympic Powerlifting Championship
Last Decade Marks a Golden Era for Indian Sports: CM Dhami
Roorkee:
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday virtually inaugurated the National Paralympic Powerlifting Championship, describing the last decade as a golden chapter in the history of Indian sports, marked by unprecedented transformation and global recognition.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony held at Core University, Roorkee, the Chief Minister said the championship is not merely a sporting competition but a powerful celebration of India’s indomitable spirit. “This event reflects a mindset that turns every obstacle into a challenge and every challenge into an opportunity,” he said.
Highlighting the essence of powerlifting, Chief Minister Dhami remarked that the sport symbolizes discipline, patience, courage, self-confidence, and self-respect. “Powerlifting is not only about physical strength; it is a remarkable expression of determination and inner resolve,” he added.
The Chief Minister lauded the extraordinary achievements of India’s differently-abled athletes, stating that they are bringing pride to the nation across disciplines. He recalled that India’s first Paralympic gold medalist, Murlikant Petkar, created history by winning gold in swimming at the 1972 Summer Paralympics. He also mentioned Satyendra Singh Lohia, who became the first Indian para-athlete to swim across the English Channel in 12 hours.
Referring to recent global successes, CM Dhami highlighted the inspiring journey of para-archer Sheetal Devi, who won gold at the World Para Archery Championship despite not having both hands, proving that limitations can be transformed into strength. He also congratulated the Indian Blind Women’s Cricket Team for winning the T20 Blind Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in Colombo.
The Chief Minister further noted that at the Tokyo Paralympics, Avani Lekhara won gold in shooting and Sumit Antil clinched gold in javelin throw, strengthening India’s presence on the global sporting stage. He added that Indian athletes created history by winning 29 medals at the Paris Paralympics 2024, followed by an outstanding performance of 110 medals at the Asian Youth Para Games 2025 in Dubai, proving that Indian Paralympic athletes are second to none.
Praising Padma Shri and Khel Ratna awardee Dr. Deepa Malik, who was present at the ceremony, the Chief Minister said she is India’s first female Paralympic silver medalist, having secured silver in shot put at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. He described her journey as deeply inspirational, noting her achievements as a biker, swimmer, and car rally driver.
Chief Minister Dhami emphasized that India has moved beyond participation and now competes with a winning mindset. “Today’s ‘New India’ plays to win, and this transformation is the result of the clear vision and strong sports policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said. Under the Prime Minister’s leadership, India’s sports budget has increased threefold, and initiatives like Khelo India are nurturing talent from every corner of the country while strengthening sports infrastructure.
Referring to Uttarakhand’s achievements, the Chief Minister said the successful organization of the 38th National Games in the state last year has established Uttarakhand not only as Devbhoomi but also as Khelbhoomi. He noted that the state secured 7th position with 103 medals, and with continued guidance from the Prime Minister, the government is developing world-class sports infrastructure, enabling Uttarakhand to host national and international sporting events.
The Chief Minister also paid tribute to the parents of differently-abled athletes, stating that they never viewed their children as weak but instead made them their strength. “Today, these athletes are an inspiration for the entire nation,” he said, reaffirming that the Uttarakhand government stands firmly with differently-abled athletes in every endeavor.
Those present on the occasion included Padma Shri and Khel Ratna awardee Dr. Deepa Malik, General Secretary of the Paralympic Committee of India Jaywant Hammanavar, Chairperson of India Para Powerlifting JP Singh, Vice President of Para Raw Lifting Shubham Chaudhary, Chairman of Core University JC Jain, and Paralympic powerlifters Paramjeet Kumar, Ashok, and Kasturi.
