Punjab players shine in Special Olympics, 7 players won three gold, one silver and four bronze medals

Sports Minister Meet Hayer congratulates players

Chandigarh: Punjab players have played an important role in the best performance of Indian contingent in the recently concluded Special Olympics World Summer Games-2023 in Berlin. Seven players from Punjab won three gold, one silver and four bronze medals in various events.

Congratulating the winning players, Punjab Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer said that it is a matter of pride for Punjab that the sportsmen of Punjab made the name of the country shine like a star by performing well in the Special Olympics. He said that it is more important that children with special needs are participating in sports with their hard work and perseverance despite many hardships and difficulties and winning medals for the country.

The Sports Minister said that in the new sports policy being prepared by the sports department on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, special priority is being given to Special Olympics/Deaf and Blind Games players along with para sports. He gave credit to the players, their parents and the coaching staff for this proud achievement. He also appreciated the efforts being made under the leadership of Special Olympics Punjab Advisor Dr. Paramjit Sachdeva.

Meet Hayer further said that among the medals won by the players of Punjab, in roller skating MD Nisar won a gold medal, Renu two bronze medals and Sita one bronze medal. Jatinder Singh and Harjeet Singh won gold in traditional football, Priya Devi won silver in basketball and Joti Kaur won bronze medal in unified football.

As many as 9 members from Punjab including 7 special players, one unified partner and one coach were part of the Indian contingent. Seven of these players won three gold, one silver and four bronze medals in roller skating, unified and traditional football and basketball. Apart from this, two players from Punjab, Navpreet Singh and Anjana, were among the participants.