Tokyo Paralympics: Sachin Tendulkar urges for support of Indian para-athletes, calls them "real-life heroes"

The Tokyo Paralympics 2020 starts tomorrow. India would be taking part in it, with 54 athletes. Ahead of the same, legendary Indian Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar has urged the Indian citizens to support the Indian para-athletes with all their heart, just like they did during the Tokyo Olympics, besides even calling them "real-life heroes".

In a statement released by Tendulkar, he said, "It is time for the Paralympics, and I would like to appeal to all Indians to get behind our contingent of 54 athletes in Tokyo. I have always believed that these women and men are not athletes with special abilities. Rather, they are women and men of extraordinary ability who are all real-life heroes for each one of us."

"Their journeys are an eye-opener to what women and men can do with passion, commitment and determination and serve as inspiration for every one of us. I have always believed that if we can celebrate our Paralympic athletes in the very same manner that we celebrate our Olympic heroes and our cricketers, we can become a better society," he added.

Tendulkar also clarified that one should not expect every participating 54 para-athletes to win a medal. He urged all to celebrate the process instead of the outcome that would lead to a fundamental change in the country's sporting culture.

India had won four medals during the Rio Paralympics. Tendulkar said that if the tally went up to ten this edition, it would be a massive tide change for India. He also asserted that he would celebrate every athlete during the competition, terming them as "great role models", while performing for the tricolour itself is an achievement and honour that would satisfy all.

"I have been delighted to see India embrace the Paralympics this year. The very welcome initiatives of the government and corporates working in partnership and on their own in different aspects of extending support to our sportspersons are all steps in the right direction," he concluded.

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