Mumbai, March 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met the Special Olympics World Winter Games contingent in Parliament and congratulated the athletes for their historic campaign, where they won 33 medals, including 8 gold, 18 silver, and 7 bronze medals. The Indian contingent, comprising 30 athletes and 19 support staff members, won the inspiring 33 medals across six sporting disciplines: alpine skiing, snowboarding, floorball, snowshoeing, short track speed skating, and cross-country skiing. PM Narendra Modi Opens Up on Footballā€™s GOAT Debate, Says ā€˜Diego Maradona Was a True Heroā€™ (Watch Video).

While India recorded 10 medals each in Snowshoeing and Alpine Skiing, 6 medals came in Snowboarding. Short Track Speed Skating, Cross Country Skiing and Floorball brought the country 4, 2, and 1 medal, respectively.

Narendra Modi MeetsĀ Indian Contingent

Recognising the achievements of the athletes, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has announced an increase in cash prizes for the medal winners, with the gold medallists in the tournament receiving a cash prize of Rs. 20 lakhs, and the silver and bronze medallists being awarded Rs. 14 lakhs and Rs. 8 lakhs, respectively.

The Indian team, comprising 30 athletes, three officials, and 16 support staff including coaches, is the largest contingent. Special Olympics World Winter Games brought together 1500 athletes from 102 countries to compete in eight sports disciplines. PM Narendra Modi Says Recent Results Prove India Is Superior to Pakistan in Cricket (Watch Video).

The Union Sports Ministry has laid strong emphasis on supporting specially-abled athletes. In this connection, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) had provided 11 national coaching camps for these athletes in various Indian cities ā€“ Chandigarh, Narkanda, New Delhi, Gwalior, Noida, and Gurgaon ā€“ to help them prepare well for the World Winter Games.

Additionally, SAI provided equipment support for training and competition. The Sports Ministry also sanctioned money towards airfare, boarding, and lodging for the participation of the Indian contingent in the World Winter Games.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 18, 2025 03:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).