Standing Tall at World Dwarf Games: Virender Sehwag Lauds Indian Athletes after Incredible Performance in Canada 1

Always the one to appreciate sportsperson from other games, former India batting stalwart Virender Sehwag has once again delivered some encouraging words for the stars who have made India proud in the recently-concluded World Dwarf Games in Canada.

The seventh edition of the Games was held over a week at the University of Guelph in Ontario province and featured close to 400 athletes from 24 countries.

The 21-member India contingent won a record haul of 37 medals – 15 gold medals, 10 silver, and 12 bronze medals at the international competition with Job Matthew being the standout performer for India, winning two golds, three silvers and a bronze.

Standing Tall at World Dwarf Games: Virender Sehwag Lauds Indian Athletes after Incredible Performance in Canada 2
Credits: World Dwarf Games

It should be mentioned that the Indian athletes defied all the odds to represent the country in the Games. According to a report in The Hindustan Times, most of the athletes took loans to realise their dream of playing in Canada. The report further claimed that the Indian contingent was unable to afford hotel rooms in the city and sent out a plea for assistance on Facebook.

Later, the Sringeri Vidya Bharati Foundation (Canada), a social non-profit, arranged to lodge for them at its community centre.

“We have no support from the central government or state governments or any sponsors,” CV Rajanna, who won gold in 200m race, was quoted as saying by the news outlet.

And while only time will tell how the government helps the athletes out, Sehwag did his bit with a noble gesture on Twitter.

Lauding the athletes’ incredible performance, the swashbuckling opener wrote:

“Wonderful effort by Team India. Standing tall with 37 medals(15 gold)at World Dwarf Games known as’ Olympics of little people’held in Toronto.”