HT Leadership Summit 2021 concludes with a reflection on 'New World Order'

“After the accident and everything settled down as reality struck, I did not want to give up on everything. Was bedridden for 6-7 months. My father forced me to join some sport. Try a few and see what works. I did not choose shooting. Shooting found me. Initially it was very challenging. I could not even lift a rifle and to hold it and then shoot 10s was very challenging at first” - Avani Lekhara

“There’s a world of difference in normal javelin throw and para javelin throw. In the latter, there are so many exercises you can’t do. In March, went to see Neeraj bhai to see how he throws 90 metres while para-athletes struggle to hit 70 metres”: Sumit Antil

“Now, when you talk to a wrestler ahead of a tournament, he or she will always say they're going for gold. The change has obviously come with Olympians and Paralympians winning medals in world and Asian tournaments,” says Bajrang.

“Athletes now head into Olympic Games wanting not just to participate, but to win a gold medal. The buck changed after Sushil Kumar’s medals at Beijing and Tokyo, especially in wrestling.”

“Arranged my own gym and shooting range at home. My trainer helped me train in lockdown. My goal was to win a gold medal, and multiple medals at the Paralympics. I was pretty nervous when I reached Tokyo. I set a target that I would play two as my main events. My coach helped me gain a lot of confidence.”

Bajrang Punia lauds the Paralympics on bringing record-breaking glory to the country in Tokyo. "19 medals at Paralympics a huge achievement for India," says the wrestler.

“I wanted to give my 100%. The last shot was 9.9. Eventually, when I saw the faces of my team members and family, it made me happy,” says Avani Lekhara.

“I play four events, so I didn't want to sit back and relax just because I won the gold in one event. 3P was my favourite event, I almost broke a world record in the qualification round and ended up winning the bronze. That’s how you can make a better version of yourself everyday.”

There has been a good change after winning the medal. Para sports are being recognised now": Avani Lekhara

“It is good to being recognised. Things take time. With time, recogniton and respect will increase,” says Sumit Antil.

Avani Lekhara, Sumit Antil and Bajrang Punia grace the second session on HTLS, Day 5.

All the three guests in the upcoming sessio: Avani Lekhara, Sumit Antil and Bajrang Punia were part of record-breaking feat at the Games this year. 

India won 19 medals at the Paralympics, which is their highest medal tally. In the Olympics, India won 7 medals, which is also a record for the country. 

Bajrang Punia's bronze might be his first Olympic medal, but the legendary grappler has won gold medals in Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, the Asian Championships as well as the Commonwealth Championships. Besides, Punia is the only Indian wrestler to win 3 medals at the World Wrestling Championships.

Sumit Antil also brought the golden glory home at the Tokyo Paralympics, securing a top podium finish at the Javelin throw F64 event. He was honored with Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna.

Avani Lekhara won a gold medal in the 10m air rifle SH1 event and a bronze medal at the 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 event at the Tokyo Paralympics this year. She was honored with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award following her incredible feat.

Avani Lekhara and Sumit Antil, the gold medallists from Tokyo Paralympics as well as Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Bajrang Punia will grace the second session on the fifth and final day of the HTLS. Stay tuned!

In the following session, Paralympian Sumit Antil will join fellow Tokyo medalist Bajrang Punia for a chat with Shivani Gupta, the senior associate of CNN-News18.

“In Kanyakumari, we found that third gender people were even being denied the right to burial on common ground. With the intervention of NALSA and state legal services, we guaranteed them a separate ground. This is one part, only half success, we will truly be inclusive once we ensure common access for all.”

“Covid-19 has taught us that virtual platform can help in legal situations. For example, Lok Adalats have established contact through virtual mode, there can now be meetings at the district level. Now, the maximum number of cases we can dispose of are more than 42 lakh cases a month.”: Justice Lalit

“Sometimes, people consider legal aid to be the last resort. However, the confidence must be built that even if one enters through the legal aid, the case will be looked after with the same command as a lawyer on a remuneration. If this confidence is built, the legal aid machinery can work in the country.”: Justice Lalit

“We resolved to cover every village in the country at least thrice in six weeks. Since our network is always available, para-legal volunteers reach out to various sections of the population. There are also third-gender people working as para-legal volunteers. There is effective communication - they are like a connect between NALSA and those who aspire for legal aid.”: Justice UU Lalit

When asked about a possible alliance with Shiromani Akali Dal or Amarinder Singh ahead of Punjab Assembly elections, the Union minister said "talks are on".

Amit Shah said the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood will follow delimitation, adding that anyone saying otherwise is trying to create confusion.

‘Politics isn’t physics, it’s chemistry. It’s not accurate to assume that when two parties get together, the vote banks will add up. In UP, the BJP will win with a huge majority’: Amit Shah at HTLS2021 on the politics of coalitions