Union Minister Honors Indian Team for Remarkable Achievement at Asia-Pacific Deaf Games

New Delhi, Dec 9 (NationPress) Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday honored the Indian contingent following their triumphant return from Kuala Lumpur, after an extraordinary performance at the 10th Asia-Pacific Deaf Games. India achieved a remarkable total of 55 medals, representing an 11-fold increase over their last participation in 2015, where they secured only 5 medals.

The 68-member Indian contingent, consisting of 42 men and 26 women, captured an astounding 8 gold, 18 silver, and 29 bronze medals, finishing fifth among 21 countries, marking their best performance in this quadrennial event since its inception in 1984.

Previously, the Indian team had garnered five medals (2 gold, 3 silver) in the 2015 edition held in Taiwan, finishing in ninth place out of 23 countries. The 2019 edition was canceled due to political unrest in Hong Kong.

The Union Minister extended his congratulations to the Indian team, including the coaches and support staff, during a special gathering at his residence.

“I want to commend the Indian deaf team for elevating the country’s pride and honor by securing 55 medals in the Asia-Pacific Deaf Games in Malaysia. The nation is progressing in the sports sector. The Indian government is implementing various initiatives to enhance sports infrastructure, governance, and specialized coaching. Competing nationally or internationally means you are not only winning for yourself; the nation wins alongside you,” Dr. Mandaviya stated during the occasion.

“In 2015, we sent a smaller team and returned with fewer medals. However, it brings me immense happiness to note that 68 players participated across 7 different disciplines this time, winning 55 medals at the Asia-Pacific Deaf Games. I am proud to witness a positive transformation in the country, moving towards the right direction.”

The Indian team excelled in athletics, securing 28 medals (5 gold, 12 silver, 11 bronze), their highest-ever tally, along with six medals in badminton (3 silver, 3 bronze), 3 medals in chess (1 silver, 2 bronze), 7 medals in judo (2 gold, 5 bronze), 3 medals in table tennis (1 silver, 2 bronze), and 8 medals in wrestling (1 gold, 1 silver, 6 bronze).

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) facilitated discipline-specific training camps before the Asia-Pacific Deaf Games for the 68 athletes at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi, SAI NCOE Sonepat, and SAI Regional Centre Lucknow. SAI also provided financial assistance for travel and accommodation in Malaysia.

Top medal performers at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Deaf Games:

Priyanga Paramaraj shone in athletics, significantly contributing to India’s gold and silver medal counts. Her prowess in both individual sprints and relay events showcases her versatility and endurance.

Similarly, Ridham Sharma's gold medals in relay events underline her teamwork and stamina, while her silver in the 400 M hurdles highlights her skill in more technically challenging events.

Vinith Mani excelled in both individual and team events, demonstrating remarkable speed and consistency, particularly in the 400m, where he earned a gold medal.

Sanya Dongre also exhibited her sprinting abilities, clinching gold in the Women’s 4 x 100 M Relays and bronze in both the Women’s 100 M and 200 M Runs, showcasing her consistent sprint performance.

In badminton, Jerlin Anika Jayaratchagan emerged as a standout athlete, winning four medals -- silver in Mixed Doubles and the Mixed Team Event, along with bronze in Women’s Singles and Women’s Doubles, demonstrating her versatility in both singles and doubles formats.

Sumit Dahiya's dominance in both freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling illustrates his strength, technique, and adaptability, highlighted by his double gold medals, making him one of the standout athletes in wrestling.

In judo, Milanmeet Kaur earned a gold medal in the Under 48 KG category and a bronze in the Team Women event, demonstrating her skills in both individual and team competitions.