Latest news with #Para
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Sport
- Business Standard
Paralympic leader challenges Brisbane 2032 to outshine Sydney Games
There was no better day to urge the people of Brisbane to do better than the benchmarks Sydney set for the Paralympics. International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons' visit to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic host city Wednesday coincided with the start of the annual rugby league grudge match that is the State of Origin series. Without doubt, the year 2000 was a gamechanger and provided the foundations from which we could advance the Paralympic Games and wider Paralympic movement, Parsons told a gathering at a Brisbane riverside restaurant, hyping Sydney's overwhelming success in staging the Olympics and Paralympics almost 25 years ago. After the tremendous success of Barcelona 1992, and the troublesome experiences of Atlanta 1996, the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games got the Paralympic movement back on track with a sensational showcase of sport. Challenge set Sydney is the capital of New South Wales state. Brisbane, capital of Queensland state, has another seven years to prepare and improve on that Games legacy. The sporting rivalry between the neighboring eastern Australian states is intense, with the three-match Origin series highlighting the Queensland desire to upstage big sister, Sydney. Brisbane was awarded the 2032 Games in 2021 but it took more than 1,340 days before a new state government finalized the venue plans that center around a new main stadium and aquatics venue built in a downtown parkland precinct. What Sydney did to raise the profile of athletes, ticket sales and broadcast audiences for the Paralympics, Brisbane organizers aim to do in terms of setting new benchmarks for accessibility in the design of venues, buildings and transport. You've got to get to a point as a global look at accessibility, in other words people with disabilities, as being standard in the design. As First Nations, and including their culture, as standard in what we do. Environment, and certification of buildings and treating the environment well, as standard," Andrew Liveris, president of the Brisbane 2032 organizing committee, said. We're not there (yet), but we can set that standard. We will be, as an Olympic and Paralympic Games, the standard bearer." With the start of venue construction and the finalizing of the sports program not expected until late next year, Liveris said there's time to ensure the end results are accounted for in the planning. A big ticket item Parsons said Sydney was the first Paralympics to sell tickets 1.2 million were sold and Australia topped the medal standings. It launched a new era for the Games. There were 2.5 million tickets sold for the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, where 4,400 Para athletes competed and 168 national Paralympic Committees sent teams. In terms of ticket sales, the Paralympic Games are now the world's third biggest sport event with only the Olympic Games and men's FIFA World Cup selling more, Parsons said, adding that Paralympic-related internet searches broke the 1 billion barrier. The main driver for the increasing global appeal of the Paralympic Games is the constantly improving quality of sport, level and depth of competition, and the performances of Para athletes, Parsons said. Progress in the last 25 years has been emphatic. Based on his past visits and his knowledge of planning already, Parsons said Brisbane is starting from a position of strength definitely in terms of accessibility." But you can always improve," he added. We cannot be satisfied until we have 100% of everything accessible, and I'm absolutely sure that this is the objective here. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India.com
22-05-2025
- India.com
Jammu And Kashmir: Soldier killed, Two Injured In Ongoing Gunfight In Kishtwar
A soldier was killed and two others injured on Thursday in an ongoing gunfight between the joint security forces & terrorists in J&K's Kishtwar district, officials said. Officials said that the soldier was martyred in the encounter in the Singhpora Chatroo area of Kishtwar. "Army jawan martyred in ongoing Kishtwar encounter has been identified as Sepoy Gaykar Sandip Pandurang, resident of village Karandi tehsil, Akole, Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra. The injured soldiers have been shifted to the hospital. The encounter is going on," an official said. Earlier reports had said that two terrorists were killed in this encounter. However, the report has still not been officially confirmed. Joint forces, including 2 Para, 11 Rashtriya Rifles, 7 Assam Rifles, and the Special Operations Group (SOG) of J&K Police, started the operation against Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists, reportedly three to four in number, in the Singhpora Chatroo area in the morning. Officials said that the joint security forces launched a cordon and search operation (CASO) after getting specific information about the presence of a group of three to four terrorists. "The cordon was tightened to engage the terrorists and to ensure that they are unable to escape. As the joint forces came closer, the hiding terrorists opened fire, triggering an encounter which is now going on. Three to four Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists are reported to be holed up,' an official said earlier. Naming the operation "Op Trashi", the White Knight Corps of the Indian Army, in a post on its X handle, said: "Contact has been established with #terrorists during a joint #operation with @JmuKmrPolice at #Chhatru, #Kishtwar today morning. Additional troops have been inducted, and operations are ongoing to neutralize the terrorists." Joint forces have started aggressive operations against terrorists, their overground workers (OGWs) and sympathisers in Jammu and Kashmir. These operations were intensified after April 22, when Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists segregated tourists on the basis of religion and killed 26 civilians, including 25 tourists and a local, in Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam. The cowardly terrorist act outraged the entire nation. India launched precision-guided targeted attacks on terrorist infrastructure in Muridke near Lahore, Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Pakistan responded by heavy mortar shelling on the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir, targeting civilian facilities. A total of 200 houses and shops were destroyed in Pakistani shelling, while hundreds of border residents were forced to abandon their villages to run to safer locations. The border residents have not fully returned to their homes yet as the security forces are still defusing unexploded Pakistan shells in Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, and Kupwara districts. India agreed to a ceasefire arrived at by the DGMOs of the two countries on June 12. But, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has made it clear that the understanding will be respected only as long as Pakistan does not allow any terrorist activity on its soil against India. He said that this was a probation period for Pakistan.
News18
22-05-2025
- News18
One Soldier Killed, Two Injured In Ongoing Encounter With Terrorists In J&K's Kishtwar
Agency: Last Updated: Earlier reports had said that two terrorists were killed in this encounter. However, the report has still not been officially confirmed A soldier was killed and two others injured on Thursday in an ongoing gunfight between the joint security forces & terrorists in J&K's Kishtwar district, officials said. Officials said that the soldier was martyred in the encounter in the Singhpora Chatroo area of Kishtwar. 'Army jawan martyred in ongoing Kishtwar encounter has been identified as Sepoy Gaykar Sandip Pandurang, resident of village Karandi tehsil, Akole, Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra. The injured soldiers have been shifted to the hospital. The encounter is going on," an official said. Earlier reports had said that two terrorists were killed in this encounter. However, the report has still not been officially confirmed. Joint forces, including 2 Para, 11 Rashtriya Rifles, 7 Assam Rifles, and the Special Operations Group (SOG) of J&K Police, started the operation against Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists, reportedly three to four in number, in the Singhpora Chatroo area in the morning. Officials said that the joint security forces launched a cordon and search operation (CASO) after getting specific information about the presence of a group of three to four terrorists. 'The cordon was tightened to engage the terrorists and to ensure that they are unable to escape. As the joint forces came closer, the hiding terrorists opened fire, triggering an encounter which is now going on. Three to four Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists are reported to be holed up," an official said earlier. Naming the operation 'Op Trashi", the White Knight Corps of the Indian Army, in a post on its X handle, said: 'Contact has been established with #terrorists during a joint #operation with @JmuKmrPolice at #Chhatru, #Kishtwar today morning. Additional troops have been inducted, and operations are ongoing to neutralize the terrorists." These operations were intensified after April 22, when Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists segregated tourists on the basis of religion and killed 26 civilians, including 25 tourists and a local, in Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam. The cowardly terrorist act outraged the entire nation. India launched precision-guided targeted attacks on terrorist infrastructure in Muridke near Lahore, Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Pakistan responded by heavy mortar shelling on the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir, targeting civilian facilities. A total of 200 houses and shops were destroyed in Pakistani shelling, while hundreds of border residents were forced to abandon their villages to run to safer locations. The border residents have not fully returned to their homes yet as the security forces are still defusing unexploded Pakistan shells in Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, and Kupwara districts. India agreed to a ceasefire arrived at by the DGMOs of the two countries on June 12. But, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has made it clear that the understanding will be respected only as long as Pakistan does not allow any terrorist activity on its soil against India. He said that this was a probation period for Pakistan. First Published: May 22, 2025, 16:33 IST
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
IPC President Andrew Parsons Set For Historic Aotearoa New Zealand Tour
Press Release – Paralympics New Zealand Connecting with key strategic partners to help harness the power of the Paralympic Movement and contribute real change to Aotearoa New Zealand, Parsons will participate in a jam-packed schedule once arriving in Auckland on Wednesday (21 May) morning. International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons is set to be proudly hosted by Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) during an historic tour of Aotearoa New Zealand this week. Connecting with key strategic partners to help harness the power of the Paralympic Movement and contribute real change to Aotearoa New Zealand, Parsons will participate in a jam-packed schedule once arriving in Auckland on Wednesday (21 May) morning. Experiencing his second time in Aotearoa New Zealand, the most influential person in the global Paralympic Movement will later on Wednesday morning fly to Wellington where he will be welcomed by Sport NZ CEO Raelene Castle and Sport NZ colleagues, before attending a meeting with Hon. Mark Mitchell, the Minister for Sport and Recreation. On Thursday, the IPC President since 2017 will be present at a Corporate Breakfast in central Auckland which will feature a panel of three Paralympians – #158 Adam Hall MNZM, #164 Cameron Leslie MNZM and #195 Anna Grimaldi MNZM – and an invited list of key strategic and commercial partners, stakeholders and guests. He will later attend a private meeting with the Governor General of New Zealand, Her Excellency the Rt HonDame Cindy Kiro GNZM, QSO, who also serves as PNZ Patron. The Brazilian-born IPC President will also assist with the presentation of PNZ Order of Merit pins to Paralympian #107 Grant Sharman MNZM and Robyn Scott-Vincent MNZM and also meet members of the PNZ Athletes' Council and Staff Team. On Friday (23 May) – his final full day in Aotearoa New Zealand – he will attend the PNZ Athletes' Council meeting, as well as watch and present Para swimming medals at the New Zealand Swimming Championships hosted at the Sir Owen G Glenn Aquatic Centre at AUT Millennium. He will fly out of Auckland to Vanuatu on Saturday (24 May) morning as part of his ongoing tour of the Oceania region. Paralympics NZ Chair Jana Rangooni said: 'It is a huge honour and a privilege for the IPC President Andrew Parsons to be here in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Paralympic Games are the third largest global sporting event in the world behind the Olympic Games and FIFA Football World Cup. The IPC President's time here will shine a light on the Paralympic Movement and the transformative power of the Paralympic Games and Para sport, which will help us in our quest for a fully inclusive society in Aotearoa New Zealand.' IPC President Andrew Parsons said of his upcoming visit to New Zealand: 'I'm really excited to be visiting Paralympics New Zealand, a nation with a rich Paralympic history and heritage that regularly punches above its weight in all areas on the world stage. 'During my visit I'm eager to learn more about Paralympics New Zealand's work to better understand the challenges they are facing and also take in some of their key learnings that have consistently made them one of the best performing nations per capita at the Paralympic Games. 'As with every visit, I'm also keen to meet Para athletes who are the beating heart of the Paralympic Movement.' Notes: About the New Zealand Paralympic Team NZ Paralympic Team strives to challenge perceptions towards disability, showcasing high performance athletes who prove anything is possible. Since Tel Aviv 1968 Paralympic Games, 237 New Zealand Paralympians have been part of New Zealand Paralympic Teams competing at 27 Paralympic Games (15 summer and 12 winter) winning a staggering 245 medals (210 in summer and 35 in winter). About Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) Paralympics New Zealand is the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) for New Zealand. We are a charity and our overall vision is 'Transforming lives through Para sport'. As a member of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), we are part of a worldwide social change movement, which uses the power of sport to positively influence community perceptions of disabled people and to promote a more diverse and inclusive society. To do this, we support and celebrate the achievements of Para athletes at international and national competitions all year round. Every two years, we lead New Zealand teams to the Paralympic Games. We also work in the local community to advocate for sport to become more accessible for disabled people and to support the creation of more systems and programmes to enable participation in Para sport. Our funding comes from a mix of public donations, fundraisers, philanthropic partners, commercial partners, plus government and community grants, which together make our Para sport, community and advocacy programmes possible.
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
IPC President Andrew Parsons Set For Historic Aotearoa New Zealand Tour
Press Release – Paralympics New Zealand Connecting with key strategic partners to help harness the power of the Paralympic Movement and contribute real change to Aotearoa New Zealand, Parsons will participate in a jam-packed schedule once arriving in Auckland on Wednesday (21 May) morning. International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons is set to be proudly hosted by Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) during an historic tour of Aotearoa New Zealand this week. Connecting with key strategic partners to help harness the power of the Paralympic Movement and contribute real change to Aotearoa New Zealand, Parsons will participate in a jam-packed schedule once arriving in Auckland on Wednesday (21 May) morning. Experiencing his second time in Aotearoa New Zealand, the most influential person in the global Paralympic Movement will later on Wednesday morning fly to Wellington where he will be welcomed by Sport NZ CEO Raelene Castle and Sport NZ colleagues, before attending a meeting with Hon. Mark Mitchell, the Minister for Sport and Recreation. On Thursday, the IPC President since 2017 will be present at a Corporate Breakfast in central Auckland which will feature a panel of three Paralympians – #158 Adam Hall MNZM, #164 Cameron Leslie MNZM and #195 Anna Grimaldi MNZM – and an invited list of key strategic and commercial partners, stakeholders and guests. He will later attend a private meeting with the Governor General of New Zealand, Her Excellency the Rt HonDame Cindy Kiro GNZM, QSO, who also serves as PNZ Patron. The Brazilian-born IPC President will also assist with the presentation of PNZ Order of Merit pins to Paralympian #107 Grant Sharman MNZM and Robyn Scott-Vincent MNZM and also meet members of the PNZ Athletes' Council and Staff Team. On Friday (23 May) – his final full day in Aotearoa New Zealand – he will attend the PNZ Athletes' Council meeting, as well as watch and present Para swimming medals at the New Zealand Swimming Championships hosted at the Sir Owen G Glenn Aquatic Centre at AUT Millennium. He will fly out of Auckland to Vanuatu on Saturday (24 May) morning as part of his ongoing tour of the Oceania region. Paralympics NZ Chair Jana Rangooni said: 'It is a huge honour and a privilege for the IPC President Andrew Parsons to be here in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Paralympic Games are the third largest global sporting event in the world behind the Olympic Games and FIFA Football World Cup. The IPC President's time here will shine a light on the Paralympic Movement and the transformative power of the Paralympic Games and Para sport, which will help us in our quest for a fully inclusive society in Aotearoa New Zealand.' IPC President Andrew Parsons said of his upcoming visit to New Zealand: 'I'm really excited to be visiting Paralympics New Zealand, a nation with a rich Paralympic history and heritage that regularly punches above its weight in all areas on the world stage. 'During my visit I'm eager to learn more about Paralympics New Zealand's work to better understand the challenges they are facing and also take in some of their key learnings that have consistently made them one of the best performing nations per capita at the Paralympic Games. 'As with every visit, I'm also keen to meet Para athletes who are the beating heart of the Paralympic Movement.' Notes: About the New Zealand Paralympic Team NZ Paralympic Team strives to challenge perceptions towards disability, showcasing high performance athletes who prove anything is possible. Since Tel Aviv 1968 Paralympic Games, 237 New Zealand Paralympians have been part of New Zealand Paralympic Teams competing at 27 Paralympic Games (15 summer and 12 winter) winning a staggering 245 medals (210 in summer and 35 in winter). About Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) Paralympics New Zealand is the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) for New Zealand. We are a charity and our overall vision is 'Transforming lives through Para sport'. As a member of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), we are part of a worldwide social change movement, which uses the power of sport to positively influence community perceptions of disabled people and to promote a more diverse and inclusive society. To do this, we support and celebrate the achievements of Para athletes at international and national competitions all year round. Every two years, we lead New Zealand teams to the Paralympic Games. We also work in the local community to advocate for sport to become more accessible for disabled people and to support the creation of more systems and programmes to enable participation in Para sport. Our funding comes from a mix of public donations, fundraisers, philanthropic partners, commercial partners, plus government and community grants, which together make our Para sport, community and advocacy programmes possible.
