Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri advised that oil PSUs step up their efforts to support para-athletes' participation in sports.

The statements were given by the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas at the opening of the 6th ONGC Para Games in the nation's capital, Thyagaraj Stadium.

"With their performances on various international platforms, many para-athletes have made India proud," he remarked.

India finished with a record 29 medals in the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, including seven gold, nine silver, and 13 bronze, Puri continued.

"...Sports is a special area of focus for the Modi-led government. I urge... companies to further step up their efforts in taking up such initiatives, which promotes sports and social inclusion," the minister said.

Arun Kumar Singh, the chairman and CEO of ONGC, stated in his welcoming speech that his organization is dedicated to supporting para sports and giving athletes with special needs a platform.

"We honour the power of sports and the extraordinary accomplishments of our para-athletes".

"I urge all participants to compete with true sportsmanship and cherish the experience," he noted.

 

The three-day competition is being attended by more than 350 para-athletes from different oil and gas PSUs, including ONGC, IOCL, BPCL, HPCL, GAIL, and EIL.

Also Read: 5 Differently-abled Entrepreneurial Heroes Leading the Change

They will compete in their respective categories in sports like table tennis, badminton, and athletics.