PM Narendra Modi congratulates Special Olympics medal winners

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated the Indian contingent for winning 173 medals at the Special Olympic World Summer Games 2015 in Los Angeles.

"Achievements of Indian contingent at @LA2015 @SpecialOlympics are truly gladdening. They are India's pride," Modi wrote on his twitter handle.

"The @LA2015 @SpecialOlympics were a triumph of determination, hardwork & sportsman spirit. Congratulations to all athletes who participated," he tweeted.

The 275-member strong Indian contingent won 47 gold, 54 silver and 72 bronze in 14 disciplines during the nine-day event that ended August 2.

India had won 156 medals -- 56 gold, 48 silver and 52 bronze -- in the last edition of the games held in Athens, Greece.

Ranveer Singh Saini's Gold was the highlight after the young autistic golfer created history by giving India their first top podium finish in the sport.

Phoolan Devi won the first gold for India in power-lifting (bench press) as maximum Golds (47) came from the athletes.