New Delhi, Aug 19 (IANS): Eight para sports athletes getting recommended for the national sports awards is a boost to the Paralympic movement in the country, said Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) President Deepa Malik.

Seven para athletes made it to the list of Arjuna award recommendations on Tuesday while one -- Thangavelu Mariyappan -- has been recommended for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award.

"These recognitions are a big motivation and boost towards the Paralympic movement in the country," said 2016 Rio Paralympics silver medallist Deepa, adding: "And it has come at the right time to motivate our athletes and coaches to work harder towards their Paralympic dreams. My heartiest congratulations to all the award winners."

PCI Secretary Gursharan Singh said that the development is a "new beginning" for the para sports fraternity in the country.

"It is a proud moment and a new beginning for the entire Indian para sports fraternity, including the PCI. All the winners should be proud of their hard work put in the past years and continue doing that," he said.

"Results, recognitions and motivation to other fellow athletes will only follow. Congratulations and good luck to the winners and best wishes for the fellow aspiring athletes for their future endeavours," he added.