New Delhi (India), March 18: Special Olympics Bharat hosted a welcome ceremony on Monday for the Indian athletes who returned from the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy. The Indian contingent, comprising 30 athletes and 19 support staff, returned home with an impressive 33 medals, including 8 gold, 18 silver, and 7 bronze. The athletes competed in six sporting disciplines: alpine skiing, snowboarding, floorball, snowshoeing, short track speed skating, and cross-country skiing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed immense pride and joy in the athletes’ accomplishments, sharing pictures from his meeting with the athletes and their families. “I am immensely proud of our athletes who have brought glory to the nation at the Special Olympics World Winter Games held in Turin, Italy! Our incredible contingent has brought home 33 medals. Met the contingent in Parliament and congratulated them for their accomplishments,” PM Modi posted on X.
Union Minister of Labour and Employment, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, also shared his appreciation, retweeting the Prime Minister’s post and acknowledging the athletes’ achievements. “Athletes with their Param-Mitra!” Dr. Mandaviya wrote on X.
The ceremony, held at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, was attended by Raksha Khadse, the Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, and Mallika Nadda, the President of Special Olympics Bharat. Special Olympics Bharat athlete Bharti, who won two gold medals at the Games, joined the dignitaries on stage to celebrate the occasion.
In recognition of their remarkable achievements, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has announced enhanced cash prizes for the medal winners. Gold medallists will receive Rs. 20 lakhs, silver medallists will be awarded Rs. 14 lakhs, and bronze medallists will get Rs. 8 lakhs.