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When India plays cricket, more than half the nation is glued to the television. However, when India plays other lesser known sports, most people don’t really care about it much. Despite the ambivalence, the passionate players still play. They play for the nation, they play for themselves.

In the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games, organised in Los Angeles, United States, India performed exceptionally well. These Olympics are world’s largest multi-sports events organised for athletes with disabilities. Among the 6,500 athletes participating from 177 countries, India’s contingent consisted of 275 athletes and 14 disciplines.

And making the nation proud, these athletes happily returned home with 173 medals consisting of 47 gold, 54 silver and 72 bronze medals. India won 47 medals in athletics and 39 medals in roller skating making a large contribution to the total number. India’s performance is ranked third in the Special Olympics, after USA and China.

Congratulating the Indian athletes for their excellent performance, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi tweeted:

The @LA2015 @SpecialOlympics were a triumph of determination, hardwork & sportsman spirit. Congratulations to all athletes who participated. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 4, 2015

Achievements of Indian contingent at @LA2015 @SpecialOlympics are truly gladdening. They are India’s pride. http://t.co/LECxugcD0n — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 4, 2015

They were organised this year from July 25 to August 02 and the opening ceremony featured Steve Wonder and Michelle Obama. The sports consist of aquatics, athletics, badminton, basketball, and many others.

The pictures of the players, who have contributed in making the nation proud are heart warming. Here, have a look:

The Aquatics Team saying hello from LA

A kid from Assam poses for the people in India congratulating him for scoring Gold medal

The winner of swimming competition, Disha Maru, flaunting her silver medal

The joyful smile on 14-year-old Ranvir Singh’s face after his win

The Basketball Team

Some things are worth more than fame and wealth, they are worth all the love and support in your heart. This is one of those things!

News Source: India Today