Secretary-General commends India's medal winner

Sharma expressed delight at the Commonwealth's strong showing at the just concluded Paralympic games.

The United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa and Canada topped the medal tallies among Commonwealth nations.

Host country United Kingdom led with 120 medals (34 gold, 43 silver, 43 bronze); Australia had 85 medals (32 gold, 23 silver, 30 bronze); South Africa won 29 medals (8 gold, 12 silver, 9 bronze); and Canada bagged 31 medals (7 gold, 15 silver, 9 bronze).

The Secretary-General was also encouraged by the performance of athletes from New Zealand (17 medals: 6 gold, 7 silver, 4 bronze), Nigeria (13 medals: 6 gold, 5 silver, 2 bronze) and Kenya (6 medals: 2 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze). He noted the very impressive wins of Team Nigeria with Yakubu Adesokan, Esther Oyema and Joy Onaolapo setting world records in powerlifting.

He further highlighted the performances of the Jamaican athletic team with Alphanso Cunningham winning gold for javelin throw, and the first ever Paralympic medal by Sri Lanka with Pradeep Sanjaya Uggl Dena Pathirannehelag winning a bronze in the 400m race. India's Girisha Hosanagara Nagarajegowda clinched a silver medal in high jump.

"The accomplishments of these amazing athletes are testimony to the ability of people with disabilities. What these courageous sportswomen and men did in the various arenas of the Paralympics is a statement of strength - physical, mental and emotional strength.

"They have shattered barriers, and in doing so, not only breaking world records, but also achieving many personal bests in every sporting field," said Sharma. MORE