General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), on Friday extended his congratulations to the medal winners, participants, and support staff from the Indian Army who represented the nation in the 4th Asian Para Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China. In a formal gathering at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, COAS engaged with a total of 17 athletes and support personnel, commending their outstanding performances at the Games.
Eleven Indian Army athletes took part in the Asian Para Games, securing a remarkable total of seven medals, consisting of one Gold, four Silver, and two Bronze. This achievement marked a notable improvement from their performance in the 3rd Para Asian Games in Jakarta, where they secured four medals, comprising two Silver and two Bronze.
Notably, Sepoy Solairaj D clinched the Gold Medal in Athletics – Long Jump (T-64) with a remarkable jump of 6.80m, setting a new Asian record. Sub Soman Rana, Havildar Ajay Kumar, Havildar K Narayana, and Guardsman Suraj Singh earned silver medals in Athletics, Rowing, and Archery, with Suraj Singh also setting a new World Record during the Quarter Finals. The Bronze medals were secured by Havildar H Hokato Sema in Athletics – Shot Put (F-57) and Sepoy Unni Renu in Athletics – High Jump (T-44).
COAS not only praised the athletes but also acknowledged the remarkable performance of Ms. Simran Vats, the wife of Serving Army Personnel, who, despite partial blindness, achieved two silver medals in the 100m and 200m races.
These accomplished para-sportspersons receive training at the Army Paralympic Node (APN), Kirkee, which is under the mission of encouraging serving impaired soldiers to excel in Paralympic sports. The Indian Army’s commitment to para sports is exemplified by its memorandum of understanding with the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) to enhance training and establish the APN as a National Center of Excellence.
Efforts have also been made to provide tournament exposure, scout talent, and secure infrastructure and funding support through collaborations with organizations such as SAI, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and Corporate Social Responsibility avenues. Presently, APN, Kirkee offers training in Para Archery, Para Swimming, and Para Athletics, while Para Rowing and Para Canoe athletes receive training at ARN (Army Rowing Node, Kirkee), and Para shooting training takes place at the Army Marksmanship Unit, Mhow.
Currently, 45 Para Athletes are undergoing training at these nodes, and two athletes have already secured quotas for the Paris Para Olympics in 2024, raising hopes for their exceptional performance.