Special Olympics Bharat athletes experience Rugby thrill at RPL's 'Match for Change'
The event saw Special Olympics Bharat athletes in attendance to cheer on the teams in action on Friday evening, offering them a first-hand experience of the thrill, excitement and energy that defines the highest level. The athletes were also joined by V K Mahendru, Executive Director of SO Bharat and Antriksh Jaiswal, Director- Media and Communication, SO Bharat, as per a press release from Special Olympics Bharat.
The visit also included a meet-and-greet between the Special Olympic Bharat athletes and Satyam Trivedi, CEO of GMR Sports, and the Delhi Redz squad, culminating in an inclusive exchange of mementoes. The symbolic moment reflected the spirit of respect, unity, and shared passion that sport fosters across communities.
The initiative left a lasting impression on the Special Olympic Bharat athletes, giving them an empowering and memorable experience. It was also a reminder of how inclusive sporting platforms can truly inspire confidence and inclusivity.
'This collaboration is more than just attending a match; it's about breaking barriers and celebrating diversity. Witnessing the energy of an RPL match and interacting with the players will be an unforgettable experience for the SO Bharat athletes, reinforcing their belief in their own capabilities and the power of inclusion,' said Mallika Nadda, President, SO Bharat.
'Seeing the joy on our athletes' faces as they connected with the RPL players truly highlighted the unifying spirit of sport. This initiative is a significant step towards building a more inclusive society where everyone feels valued and celebrated,' said V K Mahendru. (ANI)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Time of India
Munira, Aarav shine at Special Olympics Swimming Championship 2025
1 2 Nagpur: Swimmers Munira Wardhawala and Aarav Bhute brought laurels to the city by winning medals at the Special Olympics Bharat National Swimming Championship 2025, held at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Swimming Pool, Kandivali, Mumbai, from August 4 to 7. The event saw participation from 90 swimmers representing 22 states across India. Representing Maharashtra, Munira clinched a silver medal in 100m freestyle in senior women's category, while Aarav bagged two gold medals — in 50m backstroke and 50m freestyle relay — along with a silver medal in the freestyle event in junior boys' category. Both champions received their medals from chief guest and Maharashtra governor CP Radhakrishnan. Munira also had the honour of sharing the dais with dignitaries including governor Radhakrishnan, Malika Nadda (national president, Special Olympics Bharat), Atul Save, Soumya Kirit (president, SOB Maharashtra), Dr Bhagwan Talware (area director, SOB Maharashtra), and Jitendra Dhole (sports director, SOB Maharashtra) during the prize distribution ceremony held in Mumbai University Hall on August 7. Munira trains at Aqa Sports Club under coaches Vishal Chandurkar and Raju, while Aarav is a member of Star Sports Academy and is coached by Nitin Malwade. The participants also thanked Umesh Wajrurkar, Vishal Naik, Prashant Ahirkar, and Dhananjay Upasani. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
21-07-2025
- Business Standard
Decoded: Khelo Bharat Niti & its vision to reshape Indian sports ecosystem
After 25 years, we are finally getting a dedicated national policy for sports, the 'Khelo Bharat Niti,' said Union Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse after felicitating the victorious Special Olympics Bharat football team in New Delhi on Monday. 'The 'Khelo Bharat Niti' will strengthen the sporting ecosystem and infrastructure in the country and pave the way towards realising our dream of hosting the 2036 Olympics,' she added. VIDEO | Here's what MoS Sports Raksha Khadse (@khadseraksha) said on the National Sports Governance Bill: "It is a proud moment for all of us indeed, as after 25 years, we are finally getting a sports-related policy that will be known as the 'Khelo Bharat Niti'...this will boost… — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 21, 2025 During her speech at the event, Khadse highlighted how platforms like the Gothia Cup reflect the transformative role of sports in fostering health, education, and leadership. She noted that this vision resonates with India's national priorities of improving sports infrastructure, expanding inclusive training, and building platforms that support athletes from all backgrounds. "Central to this push is the 'Khelo Bharat Niti 2025,' a government initiative aimed at strengthening sports at the grassroots level and ensuring nationwide talent identification and development," Khadse further said. What is Khelo Bharat Niti 2025? Launched on July 1, the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 represents the most ambitious restructuring of India's sporting landscape to date. Replacing the National Sports Policy of 2001, the new framework aims not only to produce elite athletes but also to use sports as an instrument for economic development, social inclusion, and national progress. For decades, sport in India received limited attention and investment, often viewed as secondary to academic achievements. However, government schemes like Khelo India helped shift this mindset by introducing youth leagues, sports scholarships, and training centres. Now, the Khelo Bharat Niti builds upon these efforts and positions sport as a legitimate profession and an essential tool for development. The policy aligns with the government's 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision and underscores India's intent to host the Olympic Games in 2036, marking its emergence as a global sporting contender. The 'Five Core Pillars' The Khelo Bharat Niti is structured around five strategic focus areas: Global Sporting Excellence: Early talent spotting, elite coaching frameworks, and integration of sports science and technology form the foundation of this pillar, aiming to make Indian athletes internationally competitive. Sport as an Economic Engine: The policy acknowledges the financial potential of the sports sector. It promotes sports-related tourism, startup innovation, and global event hosting, supported by public-private partnerships and CSR initiatives. Social impact through sport: By promoting participation among women, tribal communities, underrepresented groups, and persons with disabilities, the policy seeks to make sports a vehicle for social inclusion and empowerment. Mass participation and fitness: Khelo Bharat Niti envisions turning sports into a nationwide movement. This includes grassroots programmes, local access to facilities, and fitness benchmarks in schools and colleges to encourage healthier lifestyles. Linking with NEP 2020: In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the policy emphasises structured physical education in schools and improved training for physical education teachers to nurture young talent early. Budget and infrastructure push For the 2025–26 financial year, the government has allocated ₹3,794 crore to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports — a significant increase from previous years. Of this, ₹1,000 crore has been dedicated to the Khelo India programme, signalling strong commitment to infrastructure and talent development. Notable achievements under Khelo India include: 326 sports infrastructure projects worth ₹3,124 crore 1,045 Khelo India Centres and 34 State Centres of Excellence Support for 2,845 athletes with coaching, equipment, and financial aid Over 50,000 participants across 17 editions of flagship events like the Youth, University, Para, and Winter Games Aiming for the 2036 Olympics A key target of the Khelo Bharat Niti is India's preparation to host the 2036 Olympic Games. The inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Olympics — albeit with limited slots — has highlighted the importance of strategic planning and athlete readiness for the global stage. Partnering with the Diaspora and Industry The policy adopts a forward-looking approach by encouraging: Engagement with the Indian diaspora to enhance international branding and athlete support Greater private sector participation through corporate funding and sports-focused start-ups Alternative financing models such as CSR support and public-private collaborations A Vision for India's Youth With more than 65 per cent of India's population under the age of 35, the policy taps into the country's demographic advantage. It seeks to create an environment where young people can pursue sports not just for recreation but as a viable career path. By supporting holistic development and expanding access across the country, the Khelo Bharat Niti marks a generational shift in how sport is valued — from a pastime to a national priority.
United News of India
21-07-2025
- United News of India
Gothia Cup winning Indian team felicitated
New Delhi, July 21 (UNI) Special Olympics Bharat hosted a heartfelt felicitation ceremony today to honour the outstanding performance of the Indian football teams at the recently concluded Gothia Cup 2025, held in Gothenburg, Sweden. The ceremony was graced by President of Special Olympics Bharat Dr. Mallika Nadda and Minister of State, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse along with support from SKF, Special Olympics Bharat Boys' Team and the Haryana U-15 Girls' Team were selected to represent India at the 2025 Gothia Cup, which also completed 50 years of its inception in this edition. The Special Olympics Bharat boys' team defended their title with unmatched resolve, emerging Gothia Cup champions for the second consecutive year. Their journey was a powerful display of confidence, camaraderie, and rising above limits- qualities that define not just the team, but the inclusive movement they represent. India lifted the 2025 Gothia Cup after dominating the final and defeating Poland by 3-1. Ankush Kumar (8', 14') scored a brace and Saheer Muhammad (29') scored a goal as well, emerging as the stars in the final for India. Saheer also emerged as the top goalscorer for India, recording a total of 7 goals while Ankush and Stalin Kumar followed with 3 and 2 goals respectively. Raksha Khadse, Hon'ble Union Minister of State, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, said, 'These young athletes have reminded us of what India truly stands for- unyielding courage, quiet determination and the unstoppable strength of unity. Watching them not just participate, but rise as champions and changemakers on a global platform, stirs pride in every Indian heart. Their journey is more than a victory — it is a powerful reflection of the India we believe in, where every child, regardless of background or ability, deserves the chance to shine.' 'The back-to-back triumph of SO Bharat athletes on global stage is a beacon of perseverance and their fierce and fearless performance is a testament to their confidence and capability to lead. This is not just a celebration. It is a call to action- to invest, include, and believe,' said Dr. Mallika Nadda, President, Special Olympics Bharat. UNI RKM
