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The heartwarming meeting between India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Paralympic javelin thrower Navdeep Singh has been captured in a series of photographs and anecdotes, highlighting the close bond between the nation's leader and its sporting heroes. The encounter, which took place at the Prime Minister's residence in New Delhi, saw Navdeep present a cap to PM Modi and request an autograph on his jacket. The gesture was symbolic, with Modi signing the jacket on Navdeep's left side, his throwing arm. This act of camaraderie and appreciation resonated deeply, as PM Modi later shared the moment on Instagram, describing it as a 'very touching gesture' from his friend and India's pride.
The interaction, however, was not just about the signing of a jacket. PM Modi, known for his keen interest in India's sporting achievements, took the opportunity to engage with Navdeep on a personal level. He inquired about a viral video that captured Navdeep's jubilant celebration following his recent victory at the Paris Paralympics. Navdeep, in response, spoke about his dedication and the promise he had made to PM Modi before leaving for Paris. He proudly stated, “Last time (Tokyo Paralympics), I had finished fourth. Before leaving for Paris, I had promised you, so the promise has been fulfilled.”
Navdeep's victory in the men’s javelin F41 event at the Paris Paralympics was indeed a testament to his hard work and unwavering determination. His throw of 47.32 meters, a season-best, secured him the gold medal, though the initial winner from Iran was disqualified. This victory not only brought individual glory to Navdeep but also contributed significantly to India's overall performance at the Paralympics. India's contingent ended the Games with a historic medal haul of 29, surpassing their previous record of 19 medals from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. The team bagged seven golds, nine silvers, and 13 bronzes, securing an impressive 18th place finish overall in the event.
Source: 'Tumne apna dekha video?': PM Narendra Modi teases Navdeep Singh over his viral celebration