IANS

Bangalore, Dec 2: As the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports (IWAS) World Games ended here, participants were unanimous that the event marked the triumph of human spirit.

"It does not matter who won or lost, ultimately the winner is human spirit," Indian wheelchair rugby team coach Rajiv Virat told IANS at the end of the eight-day long sporting event for differently-abled people.

Echoing Virat was swimmer Sharath Gayakwad: "Winning and losing does not matter here much. All the players here are great and unique. They all played well and showcased grit and determination against all odds."

The 18-year-old Bangalore swimmer made the Indian squad proud by winning two gold, five silver and one bronze medals in front of the home crowd. Sharath, born with a deformed left arm, feels that if one is determined, physical disability cannot come as a deterrent in sporting arena.

While China topped the medals tally with 47 gold, 18 silver and six bronze, the Indian players' impressive show helped them come second in the event with a final count of 32-38-40.

Thailand stood third winning 26 gold, 18 silver and 17 bronze medals.

The international event has been organised by IWAS in association with the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI).

The special sporting event hosted 604 athletes from 43 countries who participated in 11 disciplines, including athletics, archery, sitting volleyball, table tennis, wheelchair rugby, badminton, golf, power lifting, wheelchair fencing, shooting and swimming.

"All the players have one or other physical disability. Some are fighting severe disability. But that has not deterred them to play and win like true sportsmen. We salute their sporting spirit," PCI President Rathan Singh said.

Katrin Green, the German athlete who runs with both artificial legs, said that every player had a story of their own.

"We're special people with special needs. Don't show sympathy to us, we need empathy and support to excel in life," said a smiling Green, who won a gold medal in the 100 m run for women.

"We may have won only one bronze medal in the entire competition, but we are all winners. We have come here as ambassadors of physically challenged persons in our country," said a player from Norway.

The games were flagged-off at Shree Kanteerava Stadium Nov 24.