Para Asian Games silver medallist hails increased incentive to athletes

The state government has taken a significant step to encourage and honour the state’s sports talent. In this move, the state has substantially increased the incentive amounts for athletes excelling on the international stage, boosting their morale and recognition. This decision has been widely welcomed by the sports community in Himachal Pradesh.

Ajay Kumar, a resident of Mandi district, made history by winning a silver medal in athletics at the Para Asian Games, representing India. In recognition of his achievements, the Himachal Pradesh Government has awarded him a reward of Rs 2.5 crore. Ajay expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for the increased amount. Ajay won the silver medal at the 2023 Para Asian Games in China.

He stated that the state government was properly recognising the efforts of athletes and had increased the reward amount, encouraging more youths to engage in sports. He noted that no athlete could have imagined such a substantial one-time increase in the honorarium earlier.

The Himachal Pradesh government has increased the reward amount for athletes excelling in Paralympic Games, Asian Games, and Para Asian Games.

The reward for gold medallists has been increased from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 4 crore. Silver medalists will now receive Rs 2.5 crore, up from Rs 30 lakh, while bronze medallists will be awarded Rs 1.5 crore, an increase from Rs. 20 lakh.

Ajay Kumar was born on July 28, 1990, in Nagwain, Mandi district. From a young age, Ajay dreamed of serving the country, which led him to join the Army in 2010. While serving in the Uri region of Jammu and Kashmir, he lost his left leg during a military operation on November 14, 2017, while fighting enemies. Though his life took a drastic turn, Ajay chose to see it as a challenge, and despite losing his leg, he never lost his determination.

Ajay was introduced to the world of para sports in 2018, when a friend introduced him to Lalit Thakur, the founder and general secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Para Sports Association. Lalit inspired him to pursue para sports. With a passion for running, Ajay started training to walk and run using a prosthetic leg. His military spirit was reignited, and he began regular practice sessions in preparation for the Paralympic Games.

During this time, the Artificial Limb Centre in Pune provided him with a Cheetah Running Blade, which enabled him to practise walking and running. In a short period, he mastered the technique and began training in para-athletics events like running, shot put and javelin throw. With support from his coach and family, Ajay honed his skills.

In 2021, Ajay participated in his first National Para Championship, winning six gold and three silver medals at the Para National Games. His hard work and determination led him to represent India at the 2023 Para Asian Games, where he made history by winning a silver medal in athletics. He also participated in the Morocco International Grand Prix and qualified for the fourth Para Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, where he won the silver medal.

Ajay’s success has boosted his confidence, and he is now working tirelessly with the goal of winning medals at the 2026 Para Asian Games and the Paralympic Games.

Ajay’s journey is more than just a personal victory; it serves as an inspiration to countless others facing similar challenges. His story proves that with determination and proper support, every obstacle can be overcome to achieve glory.