15-Year-Old Lakshmi Jadala Qualifies For Special Olympics World Games 2027
In a remarkable display of determination, elegance, and indomitable spirit, 15-year-old Lakshmi Jadala, Asia's top-ranked para lawn tennis player with an intellectual disability, secured the Gold medal at the National Tennis Championship 2025 (Disability Sports), held in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, from 10 to 14 July. This victory qualifies Jadala for the Special Olympics World Games 2027, scheduled to be held in Cairo, Egypt.
Competing in the U-17 junior category, Jadala dominated his opponents by winning all three of his matches in straight sets, demonstrating a level of skill and control on the court that far exceeds his age and the challenges he has faced.
Jadala has not only achieved sporting excellence but also showcased extraordinary courage.
'To win this tournament and represent India at the Special Olympics is a dream come true," said Jadala.
'I'm now looking forward to my preparations for the World Games," he added.
Who Is Lakshmi Jadala?
Born with an intellectual disability, Jadala has defied stereotypes and refused to let his disability limit his potential. His historic participation in international tournaments and consistent victories establish him as a pioneer in para-sport.
With his sights set on Cairo 2027, Jadala is not merely preparing for another tournament; he is preparing to make history. Dreams of competing in the Australian Open and achieving a top world ranking are now realistic goals, supported by an initiative that believes in him.
view comments
First Published:
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
37 minutes ago
- News18
Tagedy In Premier League: Fan Dies In Stands As Match Goes On In Brighton
Last Updated: A 72-year-old man died during Brighton & Hove Albion's match against Fulham at Amex Stadium. Despite CPR and defibrillation, he couldn't be saved. The club offered condolences. Tragedy struck Brighton & Hove Albion FC's Amex Stadium on Saturday as a 72-year-old man passed away during their Premier League match against Fulham. The club said that authorities — South East Coast Ambulance Service paramedics, St John Ambulance, Sussex Police, the club's crowd doctor and stewards — gave the fan prolonged CPR and defibrillation under privacy screens after he took unwell in the second half. They decided against taking the fan to the hospital because they felt it gave him the highest chance of survival. 'This was an incredibly sad end to the match this afternoon, and our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the family and friends of the gentleman who lost his life," Club chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber said in a statement. 'While the gentleman concerned is foremost in our minds, we are also aware that it was an emotional and distressing situation for staff and supporters in the direct vicinity. Over the coming days we will ensure those affected are properly supported." Club doctor and emergency medicine consultant Dr Rob Galloway also gave a statement: 'Firstly, I would like to convey my condolences and sympathies to the gentleman's family and friends. It was a tragic outcome, but from an emergency response perspective, the medical care was exemplary, and the professionalism of club stewards and Sussex Police provided the medical team with the best possible working environment." The club and Premier League stakeholders also considered getting the match stopped but decided against that, too. The club explained the decision, saying: '… as the majority of supporters and both sets of players were unaware at the time, the decision was taken not to do this. It was felt any stoppage would have brought further attention to the scene and potentially impacted the resuscitation attempts, as well as creating possible further complications had the patient responded and required rapid transportation to hospital." The club has offered support to the family of the fan. Anxieties are already on a high the league after the tragic death of Liverpool and Portugal striker Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car accident before the season. view comments First Published: August 17, 2025, 20:42 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Sreesanth Shares Daughter's Emotional Reaction To 2008 IPL Slapgate With Harbhajan
Last Updated: Former cricketer S Sreesanth shared an emotional moment involving his daughter and Harbhajan Singh, reflecting on the 2008 IPL incident. Former Indian fast bowler S Sreesanth recently shared an emotional moment involving his daughter and former teammate Harbhajan Singh, reflecting on the infamous 2008 IPL incident where Harbhajan had slapped him. Although the players have moved past the controversy, it has left a lasting impact, especially on Sreesanth's family. The pacer revealed that his daughter refused to greet Harbhajan when introduced, highlighting how the incident remains in public memory. Recalling the incident, on Padamjeet Sehrawat's YouTube channel, Sreesanth said: 'When I told my daughter, 'This is Bhajji pa, he's played with me', she straight away said, 'No, no, I won't say hi'. I couldn't understand why. In school, there may have been the odd conversation about it. There are different stories doing the rounds. Then we tried explaining, but she said she still won't talk to him." 'The next day, when the legends tournament was going on, we explained that he was like our elder brother. I don't think Bhajji pa did that deliberately. It happened in the spur of the moment. It was just a learning experience for both of us," he added. The altercation occurred during the first edition of the IPL after a clash between Kings XI Punjab and Mumbai Indians, with images of Sreesanth crying on the field going viral. Over the years, both players have reconciled, with Harbhajan admitting regret. Speaking recently on 'Kutti Stories with Ash", Harbhajan said, 'I want to remove that incident from my career. What transpired was wrong and I shouldn't have done what I did. I apologised 200 times… Yes, in that game we were opponents. But it shouldn't have gone to that level where we behave in such a manner… The only fault of his was that he provoked me, but that's okay actually. However, what I did was not okay. I said, 'Sorry'." 'What hurt me even after many years was when I met his daughter and I was talking to her with a lot of love and she said, 'I don't want to talk to you. You hit my father.' My heart was shattered and I was on the verge of tears. I was asking myself what is the impression I've left on her? She must be thinking of me in a poor light, right? She sees me as the guy who hit her father. I felt so bad. I still apologise to his daughter that I can't do anything. I keep telling her, 'but if there's anything I can do to make you feel better and make you think I'm not that kind of person, please tell me'. I wish when she grows up, she doesn't see me in the same light. And think her uncle will always be with her and extend any kind of support he can. That's why I want to remove that chapter," Harbhajan added. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Virat Kohli Seen Chatting With Locals In London, Video Goes Viral
Last Updated: Kohli, who is one of the greatest batters of all time, lives in London now with his wife, Anushka Sharma, and two kids – Vamika and Akaay. Legendary Indian batter and former captain Virat Kohli lives in London now with his wife, Anushka Sharma, and two kids – Vamika and Akaay. The Delhi-born cricketer moved to the European city sometime back. Since the conclusion of IPL 2025, he has not returned to India. He last made a public appearance during an event organised by former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh in London last month. Kohli, who is expected to feature for India in the three-match ODI series against the Australia team in October 2025, was recently spotted strolling through the streets of London with his wife, Anushka. In the clip going viral on the internet, Kohli can also be seen chatting with locals and sharing a laugh. Virat Kohli And @AnushkaSharma Spotted Strolling Through The Streets Of London.💖.... #Virushka @imVkohli — virat_kohli_18_club (@KohliSensation) August 17, 2025 Kohli, who ended his 18-year-long wait for winning an IPL title with Royal Challengers Bengaluru on June 4 in Ahmedabad, announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, 2025. He took to Instagram to share a post which confirmed his exit from the five-day format of the game. During his 14-year-long Test career, Kohli played 123 Tests for India and, with the help of 30 centuries and 31 fifties, amassed a total of 9230 runs. He finished his career as the fourth leading run scorer for India in Tests and also holds the record for winning the most Tests as India captain. Under Kohli's leadership, India played 68 Test matches from 2014 to 2021 and won 40. Kohli, who has more than 27,500 runs to his name in international cricket, had retired from T20Is last year. On June 29, 2024, after India defeated South Africa by seven runs in the final of the T20 World Cup 2024, Kohli, while speaking during the post-match presentation ceremony, said that he is stepping away from the shortest format of the game. Kohli, who is all set to be part of India's ODI squad for the Australia series in October, will have a chance to break Kumar Sangakkara's record and become the second leading run-getter in the 50-over format of the game. During his playing days, Sangakkara scored 14,234 runs in 404 matches, whereas Kohli has 14,181 runs to his name in 302 ODIs. He needs to score 54 more runs to go past Sangakkara's tally. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
