The Indian contingent finished its tour at an impressive point after securing as many as 202 medals in the Special Olympic Games. They showed their prowess and made India proud in this competition played in Berlin, Germany, at 15 different venues over a course of nine days from June 17 to June 25, 2023.
As the Special Olympics World Games 2023 concluded with a grand celebration in Berlin, India’s total medal count crossed the 200 mark. Total of 76 gold, 75 silver, and 51 bronze medals secured.
The Special Olympic World Games and its Significance
Special Olympics World Games are International sport events for athletes (minimum age 8) with intellectual disabilities, arranged by the International Olympics Committee (IOC) – recognised Special Olympics Organisation. The Games promote recognition and involvement of the intellectually disabled, and focus on displaying their talents globally.
The organisation was founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver (sister of John F. Kennedy), and the first Special Olympics Games were held in 1968 in Chicago.
India debuted the Games in 1987 and has been attending its every edition since then.
India’s performance and overall medal tally
India took part in multiple sports such as roller skating, golf, basketball, tennis, table tennis, handball, swimming, judo, , cycling, volleyball, athletics, powerlifting among others and won 76 gold, 75 silver, and 51 bronze.
The last of the medals came from the athletics track. Indian athletes earned 6 medals at the race tracks (2 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze). 1 gold medal was previously bagged by Geetanjali Nagvekar in this sport.
Roller skating has been among the most rewarding arenas for India. The Indian roller skaters added a total of 12 medals to the tally that included 5 gold, 3 silver, and 4 bronze.
India’s talent in powerlifting was showcased by winning 7 gold medals ( 3 for V Harish, 3 for Anurag Prasad, 1 for Siya Sarode ), 10 silver , and 1 bronze medal.
India’s gold rush further continued in swimming as Madhav Madan, Diksha Jitendra, Pooja Gaikawada, and Prashaddhi Kamble all won a gold medal (total 4) for the country. 2 more silver and 1 bronze medal were also won in this sport.
The Indian players further bagged medals in judo ( 1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze), table tennis (2 gold), cycling (3 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze), golf (3 gold), basketball ( 1 gold, 1 silver), volleyball (1 gold, 1 silver), handball (1 silver), tennis ( 1 silver).
The ending ceremony
The Special Olympics ended on a high note with an evening ceremony at Berlin’s Brandenburg gate. The stage was set and members of each delegation were invited up there to showcase the essence of unity and celebrate the motto of the Special Olympic Games.
Hope you liked our post. If you like our content, please like and share it. Don’t forget to give us your feedback in the comment section. Your love and support help us to keep going forward.
#Special_Olympics#Special_Olympics_World_Games_2023#Indian_Pride#Berlin#Germany#Sports#Intellectual_Disability#Gold_medal#Indian_Team#Athletics#Powerlifting#Roller_Skating#Unity#Eunice_Kennedy_Shriver#Brandenburg_Gate
