CM Mohan Yadav inaugurates 26th National Para Swimming Championship in Bhopal

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Friday inaugurated the 26th National Para Swimming Championship at Prakash Tarun Pushkar in Bhopal. He welcomed all the participants on behalf of the state government.

During the event, the Chief Minister interacted with the para athletes taking part. He encouraged them to bring honour to the country with their performances.

Addressing the gathering, Yadav said, "More than 400 para swimmers from 26 states are taking part in the 26th National Para Swimming Championship, and I welcome all the participants on behalf of the Madhya Pradesh government. It is a matter of pride that 100 women are also taking part in this championship, which makes the occasion even more special. I also warmly welcome our Padma Shri awardee Satyendra Singh Lohia and congratulate him. He has achieved a remarkable milestone. Keep bringing honour to Madhya Pradesh with your performances in the same way."

Referring to India's improving performance at the Paralympic Games, the Chief Minister said the country won four medals at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. The number rose to 19 at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics and to 29 at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

He also said India achieved a remarkable feat at the 2026 Para Asian Games by winning 114 medals. Para swimmers accounted for 11 of them, including three silver and eight bronze medals.

The Chief Minister also spoke of the state government's efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure and promote athletes. He said 11 sports academies are currently running in Madhya Pradesh.

Yadav said, "Our government is also working continuously in this direction. I want to tell you that 11 sports academies are running in the state at present. Thirty-two players from the state represented India at the 2026 Asian Games and won a total of 12 medals, including two silver medals. The Madhya Pradesh government is also working to strengthen sports infrastructure for athletes. We have set a target of building a sports stadium in every Assembly constituency, along with better management of sports facilities and sports complexes at the district level."

He also said the state government has focused on promoting sport through the National Education Policy 2020, which gives importance to players, coaches, teachers and professors. He said he hoped these efforts would continue to grow in the years ahead.

In his message, the Chief Minister said good wishes had been extended to athletes who have come from across the country. According to him, more than 400 para swimmers from various states are taking part in the competition, including more than 100 women. He said Bhopal is fast emerging as a hub for water sports. He said his aim is for the state to host international-level sports competitions and for Madhya Pradesh to build a new identity in the field of sport.