Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri, on Friday, called upon Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to intensify their initiatives in promoting sports for para-athletes. His remarks came during the inauguration of the 6th ONGC Para Games at Thyagaraj Stadium in the national capital.
Addressing the gathering, Puri lauded India’s para-athletes for their stellar performances on the international stage. Highlighting the country’s record-breaking achievement at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where Indian athletes clinched 29 medals, including seven gold, nine silver, and 13 bronze, he emphasized the importance of continued support for their growth.
“Sports remains a key focus for the Modi-led government. I urge PSUs to further step up their efforts in fostering initiatives that not only promote sports but also encourage social inclusion,” Puri stated.
ONGC Chairman and CEO Arun Kumar Singh, in his welcome address, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to promoting para-sports and providing a robust platform for athletes with special abilities.
“We honor the spirit of sports and the extraordinary accomplishments of our para-athletes. I encourage all participants to compete with true sportsmanship and cherish this experience,” Singh said.
The three-day event features over 350 para-athletes from major oil and gas PSUs, including ONGC, IOCL, BPCL, HPCL, GAIL, and EIL. Participants will compete in various sports, such as athletics, badminton, and table tennis across multiple categories.
With a growing emphasis on inclusivity in sports, the ONGC Para Games continue to serve as a significant platform for differently-abled athletes to showcase their talent and determination on a national level.
