The Indian contingent at the Special Olympics in Los Angeles, competed with athletes from 160 countries and brought home a whopping 173 medals.
While sports persons in India are making their way to success on a global scale despite lack of support, these intellectually disabled or for that matter differently-abled Olympians just went a step further.
Around 6500 people participate in the events ranging from athletics to roller skating. India won 173 medals this year securing the third place following USA and China. The Indian contingent which had 275 athletes and 14 coaches, has come back with 47 gold, 54 silver and 72 bronze medals.
Ten of the athletes who won seven medals, were from Delhi’s Asha Kiran home. Phoolan Devi who one a gold in power-lifting, was abandoned at the age of 16 and was brought to the home by authorities. Another participant, Rajvir Singh is a labourer’s son.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also tweeted congratulating the commendable feat. Several athletes were also given hearing aids, prescription glasses and new shoes at a medical centre.