India bags 173 medals at the Special Olympics; here is Narendra Modi's message for them

Ranvir Singh Saini who became the first Indian golfer to win a gold medal in the Games came in for special praise from the PM

Mumbai, Aug 4 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated all participants and medal winners who made India proud by winning 173 medals at the Special Olympic World Summer Games 2015 in Los Angeles.

The performance by the Indian contingent, comprising 275 athletes and coaches in 14 disciplines has been outstanding as the nation bettered the medal count in the previous edition. India had won 156 medals -- 56 gold, 48 silver and 52 bronze -- in the last edition of the games held in Athens, Greece.

India’s tally this time around consisted of 47 gold, 54 silver and 72 bronze. The 47 medals in athletics were the main contribution to the medal's tally while a contingent of specially-abled people from the Delhi government-run Asha Kiran Home won 7 medals -- 3 gold and 4 bronze.

The Games were held in Los Angeles from July 25 to August 2. It had competitions in 25 disciplines.

Some of the outstanding performances by Indian athletes include that by Ranvir Singh Saini, who created history by becoming the first Indian golfer to win a gold medal. Phoolan Devi won the first gold for India in powerlifting (bench press). She also won three bronze medals in powerlifting (all lifts, deadlift and squat lift), while Sonakshi won a bronze in power-lifting (bench press).

The Prime Minister took to Twitter to congratulate the athletes.

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