Para-high jumper Sharad Kumar and Para-badminton star Pramod Bhagat joined some of the nation's sporting heroes including cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Saurav Ganguly.

In a tweet, Modi said, "Sports requires self-discipline, tenacity, teamwork and a fighting spirit - these are also required to defeat coronavirus."

Khumar, who is based in Ukraine, said he had a long discussion with the Prime Minister and highlighted water sanitisation as one of the key issues his home nation is facing. 

Speaking to the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), he said, "We spoke at length and our Prime Minister was very happy with my suggestions.

"I also had put out two points that would help India fight the novel coronavirus.

"One about testing methods to increase the number of testing with less kit, and others to extend Government support to make protein for the coronavirus vaccine."

Also speaking to PCI, Bhagat said he was honoured to speak to Modi and urged everyone to do what they can to stop the spread.

He said, "This is the time for all of us to step up and contribute - we can do our bits by staying home at the very least."

There are currently more than 5,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in India to date, which has resulted in the death of 164 people.