Latest news with #Boccia
Hans India
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
Two from Bengaluru to represent India at the 2028 Paralympics
Bengaluru: Karnataka Para Boccia Association, in collaboration with Boccia India, hosted a Boccia Awareness Event and a live Boccia Demonstration Match at ITC Windsor on Sunday. The event aimed to promote Boccia, a Paralympic sport designed for athletes with severe physical disabilities. The main objective of the event was to introduce Karnataka's two para athletes, Annapurna Krishnamurthy and Gayathri HM, who will represent India at the 2028 Paralympics to be held in Los Angeles. Both based in Bengaluru, 42 year old Annapurna is an international Boccia Champion and Gayathri, 22, holds national and world titles in the sport. The event was inaugurated by Meenakshi Krishna Byregowda, Indian National Congress Member and Social Activist. In attendance were Shikha Dadha, State President, Karnataka State Para Boccia Association, Ashok Bedi, Chairman, Boccia Sports Federation of India, Kamala Priya, IRAS, Dr Satyanarayana Mysore, Vice President, Manipal Hospital, Jayaprakash, Actor, Ashok Ranka, Trustee, Jain Hospital. Over 60+ para athletes from across the state were a part of the event, which also featured a live Boccia match to showcase the skills required for the game. Commenting on the event, State President, Karnataka State Para Boccia Association, Shikha Dadha said, 'We are deeply committed to nurturing and promoting Boccia in Karnataka by creating grassroots support, building the right infrastructure and providing dedicated mentorships to all the players that are part of our association. Our para athletes have exceptional skills and the ability to make a mark in this game, and Annapurna and Gayathri are shining examples of that. Our aim is to build a robust Boccia ecosystem in the state to support many more such athletes over the next few years' The Indian National Congress Member and Social Activist, Meenakshi Krishna Byregowda said, 'It's a proud moment to see our very own players from Karnataka achieve excellence in this sport and represent our country on the world stage. Boccia is not just a game, it's an opportunity for us to create avenues where differently-abled individuals can showcase their talent and abilities. Boccia opens up a world of possibilities for people with severe disabilities, and it's heartwarming to see organizations like Karnataka Para Boccia Association and Boccia India work towards creating the right support system for our para athletes. This is the true reflection of a society that is inclusive and empathetic' The Chairman, Boccia Sports Federation of India, Ashok Bedi said, ' 'At Boccia India, our vision is to create opportunities and inspire future generations to take up the sport. Boccia is a powerful tool for building a more inclusive society and empowering our para athletes. India has incredible talent, and our goal is to identify players from remote corners of the country and provide them with the support they need to flourish in this sport.'
Pembrokeshire Herald
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Top talent shines at Pembrokeshire Boccia Tournament
SOME of Pembrokeshire's most talented young athletes took part in the annual Secondary School Boccia Tournament last month, showcasing impressive skills in the inclusive Paralympic sport. Boccia, a precision ball game similar to bowls, is designed for athletes with physical disabilities and requires competitors to aim their ball as close as possible to a target 'jack' ball. The tournament, sponsored by Valero, was held in the sports hall at Haverfordwest High VC School on Tuesday, April 29. A total of 20 teams from schools across the county took part, including Haverfordwest High, Ysgol Bro Gwaun, Milford Haven School, Ysgol Bro Preseli, Ysgol Harri Tudur, and Portfield School. Matches were overseen by volunteers from Saundersfoot Rotary's Tenderfoot Disability Sports group, Welsh international Boccia player Sian Jones, and Young Ambassadors from Haverfordwest High. After a day of closely contested matches and high-quality play, it was Ysgol Harri Tudur Team 1 who emerged victorious. Dan Bellis of Sport Pembrokeshire said: 'It was fantastic to see so many teams and pupils taking part in such an inclusive activity. A great time was had by all. 'Big thanks to Valero for sponsoring the event, and to all the volunteers and Young Ambassadors for umpiring and scoring the games. A big well done to everyone who took part and made the tournament such a success.'
The Herald Scotland
29-04-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
First ever National Exhibition Event for SDS to take place
The event will bring together people with disabilities, community organisations, Sport Governing Bodies, ParalympicsGB, Third Sector organisations and education partners from across Scotland, as well as representatives from the Scottish Government. Paralympians including Stephen McGuire will also be in attendance and there will be opportunities to take the Paris 2024 gold medallist on in his sport of Boccia. Others including Table Tennis star Martin Perry and Boccia's Kayleigh Brown. Read More The event is supported by the Motability Scheme and also offers opportunities for those in attendance to try out other sports, meet local support teams and engage in workshops on inclusion in sport. Physical inactivity continues to disproportionately affect people with a disability and the National Exhibition Event will provide an opportunity to showcase inclusive progress and community empowerment. At least eight different sports will be available to try while there will also be an all-ability health walk, a parkrun, adaptive bikes and introductory fitness classes on the day. For more event information and to register your initial interest, please visit JustGo.
Daily Tribune
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain shine brightly as World Boccia Challenger wraps up
The Bahrain 2025 World Boccia Challenger Series came to a close in Manama this week, after five days of inspiring competition that brought together 64 athletes f r o m 14 nations. Held at the Isa bin Rashid Sports Hall from April 19 to 23, the event saw standout performances across all classifications. Thailand proved a dominant force in the BC2 category, claiming gold in both the men's and women's events, as well as the team BC1/2 competition. South Korea also left its mark with wins in the BC3 men's and BC4 men's categories, while Saudi Arabia and Malaysia shared the spotlight in the women's competitions. Sweden impressed in the BC3 pairs, while Malaysia rounded out an exceptional campaign by clinching gold in the BC4 doubles and BC1 women's events. The closing ceremony, attended by dignitaries and sports leaders, capped off a successful tournament with reflections on the high level of organisation and competitive spirit. Shaikh Mohammed bin Duaij Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Paralympic Committee, praised the event's impact on the development of para-sports in the Kingdom. 'This tournament reflects our ongoing commitment to empowering athletes and creating spaces where their talent can shine,' he said. Executive Director Mahmoud Mohammed echoed those sentiments, highlighting the logistical milestones achieved and the importance of the tournament in driving visibility for Boccia and Paralympic sport. Looking Ahead A special tribute was paid to the International Boccia Federation, and a commemorative shield was presented in appreciation of its continued support. The final honours ceremony recognised the champions of each category — closing out an edition that was not only competitive but transformative.
Arab News
11-02-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Saudi paralympic ball game helping empower people with disabilities
RIYADH: The sport of boccia is helping to empower people living with severe physical disabilities across the Kingdom, the head of its governing body said. The precision ball game, which is related to bowls and petanque, was introduced into the Paralympic Games in 1984 and has since rocketed in popularity. Mohsen Al-Ismail, president of the Saudi Boccia Federation, said his organization was committed to promoting the sport throughout the Kingdom and helping nurture talent, the Saudi Press Agency reported. When the game was introduced to the Paralympics it was designed to be played by people with cerebral palsy but now includes athletes with other disabilities affecting motor skills. • Mohsen Al-Ismail, president of the Saudi Boccia Federation, said his organization was committed to promoting the sport throughout the Kingdom and helping nurture talent. • In 1984, the sport attracted just 19 athletes from five countries. In 2024, there were 116 players from 75 countries. In 1984, the sport attracted just 19 athletes from five countries. In 2024, there were 116 players from 75 countries. Al-Ismail said the sport helped individuals with cerebral palsy, particularly those with nerve issues, by improving balance, stimulating blood circulation, strengthening muscles and supporting motor rehabilitation. Boccia uses six leather balls per side and can be played by individuals, pairs, or teams of three. The aim is for players to throw their balls as close as they can to a white target ball, or jack. The game dates back to ancient Greece and Egypt and its name is derived from the Latin word for 'boss.'
