Latest news with #ParalympicCommitteeofIndia
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
From Ponda to Paris, 20-yr-old blind athlete Sakshi prepares for her 1st foreign challenge
Panaji: When Sakshi Kale started taking part in competitive athletics three years ago, she was advised to get her passport done. A visually-challenged athlete from Usgao in Ponda taluka, Sakshi, 20, left nobody in doubt that she would go places. She became the first blind athlete from Goa to win a medal at the Para Athletics National Championship, later won an international medal, even competed against regular athletes at home, and is now taking a flight to Paris where she will take part in the World Para Athletics Grand Prix Championship. The World Para Athletics Grand Prix will see the world's best para athletes in action from across the world, as the new cycle towards the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games begins. India will have 13 athletes battling for honours. 'I started taking part in national-level events three years ago, and never believed I could grow so much,' Sakshi told TOI on Tuesday. 'Everyone said it was a must for me to have a passport, and now it's actually being put to use. I really can't believe all this is happening to me. To compete internationally is something I could only dream of.' Sakshi, who has 75% blind disability, will compete in the 400m and 1500m races in the T13 category, meant for visually-impaired runners who have a restricted field of view, their peripheral vision limited, and central vision a blur. Her selection comes on the back of impressive performances at the Khelo India Para Nationals and the World Para Athlete Grand Prix 2025 in Delhi, where she won a gold and silver in 100m with a timing of 14.47 minutes. When her mother passed on the selection news she had received from the Paralympic Committee of India, it took some time for the 20-year-old to realise that she was indeed going to Paris, a place she had only read about. The next was preparation, as she attempts to match the top athletes from across the world. 'It won't be easy to compete against the world's best, but I am confident of putting up a good show since my preparations have been thorough. I am not scared of competition,' said Sakshi, a third year student at Government College, Khandola. Her training, for four hours everyday, included beach running, road running, sessions in the gymnasium, and practice on the track at Bambolim where she reached, having travelled 40km from Usgao alone, walking through a dirt road to catch a bus, and then changing it twice to reach the stadium. 'I feel I am a better athlete now,' said Sakshi. 'I can feel the difference, particularly after the gym sessions, where I was allowed to use whatever facilities I needed. Weights, steams, ice baths, everything was available.' Sakshi's pet events include sprints and long jump, but she's now giving middle distance a try in Paris, emboldened by some recent results where she did well at mini marathons. She won gold in 5,000m at the inter-collegiate athletic championship and then made heads turn by winning the 10k running events in Mulgao, Mayem, Bicholim, Cumbharjua, and Assagao. 'I don't know about the results in Paris, but I can assure everyone that I'll give my best. That's the least I can do for all those who have kept faith in me and supported me all along,' said Sakshi.
Hans India
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
Gurjar Mahendra sets new world record as India dominates at WPA GP 2025
Nottwil (Switzerland): India's para-athletes delivered an emphatic statement on the global stage at the World Para Athletics (WPA) Grand Prix 2025, held from May 23 to 25 in Nottwil, Switzerland. The highlight of the event came from Gurjar Mahendra, who broke the world record in the Javelin F42 category with a sensational throw of 61.17 meters, claiming gold and etching his name in para-sporting history. Joining him in the gold rush was India's global icon and Paralympic champion Sumit Antil, who once again proved his dominance in the Javelin F64 category with a remarkable throw of 72.35 meters, reaffirming his status as a favorite heading into future international championships. The Indian contingent's performance in Nottwil was nothing short of extraordinary, with Pingane Mina Vilas securing a treble in the F57 category, clinching gold medals in discus (16.13m), shot put (4.29m), and javelin (10.56m)—a rare and commendable sweep across all her events. Among the standout performers was Bhuvi Agarwal, who struck gold in both the long jump T20 with a leap of 4.15 meters, and the 400 meters T20, clocking an impressive 1:12.23. Her athleticism and composure under pressure continued to mark her as a rising star in Indian para-athletics. Multi-event talent Perumalsamy Santhanakumar added to India's medal tally with gold in the long jump T46 (5.71m) and the 400 meters T46 (57.44 seconds), along with a silver in the 100 meters T46, showcasing his versatility on both track and field. In the same sprint category, Moorthy Pragadeeshwara Raja earned a silver in the 400 meters T11 (1:01.59) and a bronze in the 100 meters T11, demonstrating consistency and determination. Veteran thrower Ravi Rangoli brought home double gold in the F40 category, excelling in both shot put (9.78m) and javelin (34.58m). His continued excellence was complemented by Gurjar Mahendra, who added to his record-breaking javelin triumph with another gold in the long jump T42, leaping to 5.59 meters. Reflecting on the historic campaign, Devendra Jhajharia, Chairperson of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), expressed his pride in the team's achievements: 'Breaking a world record is a monumental feat, and to see our athletes achieve this on the international stage fills us with immense pride. The performance in Nottwil showcases the exceptional depth and potential of Indian para-athletics. These athletes are not just winning medals—they're inspiring a nation and redefining what's possible.'
New Indian Express
22-05-2025
- Sport
- New Indian Express
90% disability, 900% determination: Kerala para-swimmer redefines 'ability', one stroke at a time
Muhammed Aasim has just returned to his hometown, Velimanna in Kozhikode, after making waves at the recently concluded World Para Swimming Series in Paris. His voice brims with excitement as he relives his remarkable feat in the 50m and 100m freestyle, and the 50m backstroke. Aasim has become a source of pride for Kerala by qualifying for the World Para Swimming Championships, to be held in Singapore from September 21 to 27. Hold on, his achievements go far beyond the pool. He was born without both arms. His right leg is stunted. With 90 per cent physical disability, the 19-year-old has never let his challenges define him. Instead, he has rewritten the meaning of 'ability'. Aasim is the first Indian para swimmer to be ranked internationally in the S2 category ('no hand or wrist flexion'). Currently, he ranks 10th globally. Picked by the Paralympic Committee of India, a 12-member team — including eight swimmers, coach Sanjay Bisht, and physio Dr Ashkar Ali Kelath — participated in the Paris series. Making it wasn't easy. Aasim needed Rs 7 lakh. It was out of reach for him. He is the eldest of seven siblings, and the family's sole breadwinner — the only income is what Aasim earns through local competitions and events like inaugurations. 'I sought help via social media. Several sponsors came forward, and that's how my dream became a reality,' he says. With just a few months left for the world championship, and under the guidance of coach Sreekanth Mavur, Asim is now training at the Blue Bucks Swimming Centre in Kozhikode. His dream is to win a medal for India.
United News of India
11-05-2025
- Sport
- United News of India
Paralympic Committee of India delegation meets Delhi CM
New Delhi, May 10 (UNI) A delegation from the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) on Saturday met the Chief Minister of Delhi, Rekha Gupta, to review preparations for the World Para Athletics Championships, scheduled to be held in September–October. Vanathi Srinivasan was accompanied by Devendra Jhajharia, President of PCI; Satyanarayana, Head Coach; Satyababu, Director and Kirubakarar Raju, Joint Secretary of the New Delhi 2025 Championships. The Chief Minister assured full cooperation from the Delhi Government and reiterated the city's commitment to ensuring all necessary facilities and support for the successful conduct of the Championships. This marks the first time New Delhi will host the prestigious event, which is expected to welcome athletes from over 100 countries. The meeting focused on key planning areas, including venue infrastructure, accessibility, logistics, athlete accommodation and coordination with volunteers and cultural programmes. Speaking after the meeting, Vanathi Srinivasan commended the Delhi administration's readiness and highlighted the importance of the event in promoting para-athletics and providing a global platform for athletes with disabilities. She emphasized that the Championships would reflect India's growing stature in international sports and its commitment to inclusivity. The Paralympic Committee of India is working in coordination with various government departments to ensure smooth execution and meaningful participation, aiming to make the 2025 Championships a milestone for para-sport in India. UNI GNK SS
India Gazette
09-05-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
PCI delegation meets Delhi CM to discuss upcoming World Para Athletics Championships 2025 in New Delhi
New Delhi [India], May 10 (ANI): Vanathi Srinivasan, National President of Mahila Morcha BJP, MLA of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, and Chief Patron of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), met with the Chief Minister of Delhi, Rekha Gupta, at the Delhi Secretariat on Friday. She was accompanied by a distinguished delegation from the Paralympic Committee of India, which included Devender Jhanjaria (President), Satyanarayana (Head Coach), Satyababu (Director), Kirubakarara Raju (Joint Secretary), as per the The meeting centered around the preparations and strategic planning for the upcoming World Para Athletics Championships, scheduled to be held in September-October 2025 in New Delhi. In a historic first, Delhi will host participants from over 100 countries, marking a major milestone for both the capital city and India's commitment to inclusive sports under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Discussions included infrastructure readiness, accessibility standards, hospitality arrangements, volunteer coordination, and cultural showcase opportunities during the event. The Chief Minister expressed full support and assured all necessary cooperation from the Delhi Government to ensure the grand success of the event. Vanathi Srinivasan lauded Delhi's proactive approach and highlighted the significance of this event in empowering differently-abled athletes on the global stage. The Paralympic Committee of India, in collaboration with the Delhi Government, aims to make this event a landmark celebration of courage, sportsmanship, and unity. (ANI)
