Special Correspondent: Harshita Bhatnagar
New Delhi: The Divyang Para Swimming Championship was successfully organised on October 4 at the Shyam Prasad Mukherjee Swimming Pool, Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi, with the enthusiastic participation of more than 100 para-athletes from different categories. Both men and women athletes took part in the championship and displayed remarkable talent, determination and sporting spirit.
The championship was inaugurated in the presence of Delhi Minister Ashish Sood, who encouraged the participating athletes and appreciated their dedication to sports. DCP North Delhi Niharika also attended the inauguration and extended her support and encouragement to the para-athletes.
The championship provided an important platform for para-athletes to showcase their abilities and compete at the sporting level. Parvin secured first position in the Senior Category, while Waseem emerged victorious in the General Category. Several other participants also put up impressive performances and won medals in various categories.
Addressing the gathering, Delhi Minister Ashish Sood said that para-athletes have demonstrated that determination, discipline and hard work can overcome every challenge. He said the Delhi Government is committed to developing a strong and inclusive sports ecosystem in which every athlete gets an opportunity to train, compete and excel. He added that such championships provide para-swimmers with valuable competitive exposure and help them prepare for larger national and international competitions.
Rajalakshmi Chandru, Chief Trustee of The Neuroaid & Research Foundation (NRF), said the foundation continues to serve as a rehabilitation partner for the Divyang community by providing support in physiotherapy, rehabilitation and sports-related activities. Through its continued association with disability sports, NRF remains committed to promoting health, participation, independence and greater representation of persons with disabilities through sport.
The championship was not merely a sporting event but also a celebration of resilience, inclusion and equal opportunity. The performances of the participating athletes reaffirmed that disability cannot be a barrier to excellence when talent is supported with determination, opportunity and the right platform.
