Para Athletics Coach Gajendra Singh Eyes Asian Para Games Success After National Championships
Para athletics coach Gajendra Singh has expressed immense satisfaction with the outstanding performances delivered by Indian athletes at the recently concluded National Para Athletics Championships held in Odisha. He confidently stated that these results will significantly enhance India's medal prospects at the upcoming Asian Para Games scheduled for later this year.
National Para Athletics Championships Conclude with Grand Ceremony
The 24th National Para Athletics Championship reached its spectacular finale at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday. The valedictory ceremony was graced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who personally presented awards to the triumphant national para-athletes. In the overall standings, Haryana emerged as the dominant champion, securing an impressive total of 95 medals. Tamil Nadu followed in second place with 51 medals, while Gujarat claimed the third position with 30 medals. The host state, Odisha, delivered a commendable performance, earning 17 medals, including 5 gold medals.
Coach Gajendra Singh Highlights Star Athletes and Training Plans
In an exclusive interview, Gajendra Singh spoke glowingly about his three elite trainees. He mentioned his wife, Simran Sharma, a Paris Paralympics 2024 bronze medalist and World Championship gold medalist, who is also an Arjuna Awardee. Another athlete under his guidance is Preethi Pal, a two-time bronze medalist at the 2024 Paralympics and a multi-time World Championship medalist. The third athlete is Chirag Tyagi, who recently delivered an exceptional performance at the championships and has achieved a world ranking of number one in his category.
Gajendra Singh emphasized, "We are currently performing very well at the global level, and I am confident that we will continue to achieve great success. We have just opened the season, and the results here have been exceptional." He added that the National Para-Athletics Championships, organized by the Paralympic Committee of India, have showcased outstanding performances and are poised to boost India's medal tally. He also congratulated the Odisha government for their excellent organization of the event.
Regarding future preparations, Gajendra Singh revealed that Simran Sharma is currently nursing an injury and undergoing treatment, with plans to start her treatment in May. He stated, "Currently, we (the athletes) are going to a month-long training session in Bengaluru because it is quite hot in Delhi. After that, we will compete in the final trial for the Asian Games." He reiterated their focus, saying, "We are trying to peak during the Asian Para Games."
Championship Sees Massive Participation Across India
The championship witnessed the participation of 1,460 para-athletes representing 28 states from across the country, highlighting the growing talent and dedication in para athletics in India. This event not only celebrated athletic excellence but also set the stage for future international successes, particularly at the Asian Para Games.
