Tokyo Paralympics: PM Modi's interaction with Indian Para-athletes - LIVE updates, blog

Thank you for joining in for the LIVE Blog. That's all we have from the virtual interaction of Prime Minister with the Indian Paralympians. 

Do stay tuned to the website, there is a lot of Paralympics content coming up in the coming days!

PM Modi signs off after the virtual interaction which lasted for more than an hour.

"You were all affected adversely by covid-19 but did not let that rattle you. This is what true sportsmanship is. You have reached this stage because you are the real champion. You are champions in your own life. Medals are important for you, but new India does not pressurise its players to win medals. You just have to give your 100% without any fear," Modiji says.

Soman Rana was employed with the Indian army and was a boxer before he injured his leg in a land mine explosion. He then switched to para-shotput after the casualty. 

"My wife sold her jewellery to support my shooting dream," says shooter Singhraj 

"Shooting is an expensive sport and it was not easy pursuing it," says shooter Singhraj.

"Why did you choose Powerlifting?" asks the Prime Minister to Sakina Khatun.

The powerlifter explains that she started off with swimming and was a part of the national camp for 2010 Commonwealth Games, and decided to switch because she wasn't selected to represent India in Para-swimming.

"I started off with swimming before I switched to canoeing on the suggestion of my coach," says para-canoe Prachi Yadav.

"Palak is young and has got the speed. I have the experience, and this makes us one of the best in the world," says Parul Parmar 

"I have medals everywhere other than Paralympics, and this is what I want to achieve," says a determined Parul Parmar