Latest news with #SOBharat
India Gazette
10-07-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Special Olympics Bharat president Mallika Nadda speaks on India's participation in Gothia Cup 2025
New Delhi [India], July 10 (ANI): Special Olympics Bharat president Dr Mallika Nadda spoke on India's participation in the Gothia Cup 2025, being held at Sweden, the world's largest youth football tournament, saying that the SOB team and an under-15 Haryana women's team will be featuring in the tournament. The tournament is the world's largest youth football tournament, which witnesses participation from around 1,900 teams and 75 nations, playing almost 5,000 games on 112 pitches, as per the tournament's website. The first-ever tournament was held back in 1975 and was kick-started by football clubs BK Hacken and GAIS, and a local newspaper. This year, from July 13 to 19, it will take place in Gothenburg, Sweden. Speaking on India's participation, Nadda said to the media, 'The Gothia Cup 2025 is being organised in Sweden, where 70 countries from around the world will participate, and approximately 1,900 teams will assemble to play football. The Special Olympics Bharat and the Haryana girls' under-15 team are leaving today for Sweden to participate in the tournament.' On the participation of the Indian contingent, Ambassador of Sweden to India, Jan Thesleff, said to media, 'We are sending two teams to the Gothia Cup 2025, the world's largest youth football tournament. Over 40,000 athletes and 1,950 teams from more than 70 countries will participate. We are proud that India is well represented. One team is from Haryana, the girls' under-15 team, in which many players are travelling abroad for the first time. They have demonstrated their skills for this tournament. We also have a Special Olympics Bharat team, which is competing for the second time after winning in 2024, and we are proud to send champions again...' Back in 2023, Minerva Academy FC made history as it became the first-ever Indian club to clinch the Gothia Cup, being held in Sweden, defeating Ordin FC, a Brazilian side. Minerva beat Ordin by 3-1 in the Boys 13 category. Last year, the SO Bharat team was placed in Group 5 along with Parasport Denmark 2, Special Olympics Finland Mixed, Special Olympics Hong Kong, and Special Olympics Germany 1. SO Bharat won their opening group game against SO Finland 3-0, and then followed it up with a big win of 6-0 against SO Germany. The Indian contingent won over Hong Kong by 6-0 in Match 3, and then followed it up with another big win by 3-1 against SO Denmark to make it into the Final. The nail-biting group final between SO Bharat and SO Denmark went right down to the wire, but SO Bharat athletes won the thriller with a score of 4-3 to lift the trophy. Muhammad Shaheer, who hails from Kerala, scored seven goals, the maximum by any Indian player. Shaheer, a son of fisherman, has an Intellectual disability and nurtures a passion for football along with other sports, including cycling and swimming. (ANI)
India Gazette
05-07-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
"Each One Reach One": Special Olympics Bharat launches nationwide registration drive
New Delhi [India], July 5 (ANI): Special Olympics Bharat (SO Bharat) on Saturday announced the launch of 'Each One Reach One,' a nationwide registration drive aimed at identifying and including more persons with intellectual disabilities under one roof, according to a release from Special Olympics Bharat. Kicking off across India, this initiative aims to expand the reach of Special Olympics Bharat, providing opportunities for sports training, health initiatives, education and youth development to countless individuals with intellectual disabilities. SO Bharat has been diligently working to provide opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities in the fields of sports, health, education and youth leadership, the release stated. This campaign is another step towards fulfilling SO Bharat's aim to create an inclusive and accepting society, helping people from all walks of life cherish their dreams. 'We are incredibly excited to launch 'Each One Reach One,' a vital initiative that represents our commitment to inclusion and empowerment,' said Mallika Nadda, President of SO Bharat. 'This drive is an endeavour to reach every potential person with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), giving them the chance to discover their strengths, build confidence and experience the joy of sports, leading to overall personality development. We believe that every individual, regardless of ability, deserves the opportunity to shine,' he added. Due to the efforts of SO Bharat, various athletes have represented India at the World Games, returning with stellar medal counts and making the nation proud. Most recently, in March 2025, SO Bharat athletes displayed exceptional performance at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy, winning a total of 33 medals, including 8 gold, 18 silver, and 7 bronze. The 'Each One Reach One' registration drive is a crucial step towards realising Special Olympics Bharat's vision of a more inclusive and accepting society. It aims to include more individuals with intellectual disabilities in its roster and help them identify their potential and excel in sports, education and leadership. (ANI)
India Gazette
28-06-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Special Olympics Bharat athletes experience Rugby thrill at RPL's 'Match for Change'
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 28 (ANI): In a celebration of inclusion and the unifying power of sport, Special Olympics Bharat partnered with the Rugby Premier League (RPL) for the 'Match for Change' initiative, welcoming young athletes to experience live rugby action, at the Shahaji Raje Bhosle Kreeda Sankul (Andheri Sports Complex). 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)
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Special Olympics Bharat hosts 'Sitaare Zameen Par' screening, Aamir Khan interacts with children
Actor Aamir Khan attended the screening along with actress Genelia Deshmukh, director RS Prasanna and the other cast of the film. The Special Olympics Bharat hosted a special screening of Aamir Khan 's recently released film, Sitaare Zameen Par, to reinforce its commitment to promoting inclusion and celebrating the abilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Actor Aamir Khan attended the screening along with actress Genelia Deshmukh , director RS Prasanna and the other cast of the film. Following the screening, Aamir Khan interacted with the children The movie aims to promote inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities in the world of sports, which deeply connects with the historic performances delivered by SO Bharat athletes at the World Games in recent years, a release said. Dr. Mallika Nadda, President, Special Olympics Bharat, emphasised the importance of such events in creating a more inclusive society. "The screening of Sitaare Zameen Par is more than just watching a film; it is an experience that reinforces our belief in the boundless capabilities of our Special Olympics Bharat athletes. Aamir Khan's presence and his heartfelt interaction with our children further amplify this message, inspiring not only our athletes but also the wider community to embrace diversity and celebrate every talent," she said. The event created an atmosphere of warmth, acceptance and motivation, reinforcing Special Olympics Bharat's ongoing efforts to integrate individuals with intellectual disabilities into mainstream society through sports, education and community engagement. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Aamir's 'Sitaare Zameen Par' was released in theatres on June 20. 'Sitaare Zameen Par', a spiritual sequel to the blockbuster movie 'Taare Zameen Par', features the challenges faced by intellectually disabled people as they step up to prove themselves in a basketball competition.
News18
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Aamir Khan Meets President Droupadi Murmu At Rashtrapati Bhavan
Last Updated: Special Olympics Bharat hosted a special screening of the film 'Sitaare Zameen Par,' and Aamir Khan was in New Delhi to attend it Actor and filmmaker Aamir Khan met President Droupadi Murmu in Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday. The President's official social media account shared a photograph of the meeting, captioned: 'Acclaimed filmmaker and actor Shri Aamir Khan called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan." In the photo, Aamir Khan is seen wearing a white kurta and jeans. He is seen smiling and posing with the President. However, the actor was in New Delhi to attend the special screening of Sitaare Zameen Par. Special Olympics Bharat hosted a special screening of the film 'Sitaare Zameen Par,' reaffirming its commitment to promoting inclusion and celebrating the abilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Filmmaker and actor Aamir Khan called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.(Source: Rashtrapati Bhavan) — ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2025 After the screening, Aamir Khan spent valuable time interacting with the athletes. The movie aims to promote the inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities in the world of sports, resonating with the historic performances delivered by SO Bharat athletes at the World Games in recent years. Directed by RS Prasanna and written by Divy Nidhi Sharma, Sitaare Zameen Par features a fresh ensemble cast including Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, and Simran Mangeshkar. Genelia D'Souza plays Aamir's wife in the film. The sports drama, which features Aamir as a basketball coach guiding a team of children with special needs, saw a strong weekend driven by positive word-of-mouth and heartfelt storytelling. On Sunday alone, it collected Rs 27.25 crore. However, as per Sacnilk, the film witnessed a drop on Monday, earning only Rs 8.27 crore. Despite the dip, the total India earnings now stand at Rs 66.42 crore. Aamir's decision to skip an OTT release and focus on bringing audiences back to theatres appears to be working. The film's touching narrative and powerful music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya, have further elevated its appeal. Internationally, the film has already collected Rs 95.75 crore within its opening weekend and is poised to cross Rs 100 crore worldwide. It marks a strong comeback for Aamir Khan after the lukewarm response to Laal Singh Chaddha. The industry too has rallied behind Sitaare Zameen Par. Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar posted on X (formerly Twitter), 'So happy to learn about the record leap that Sitaare Zameen Par has taken at the box office on the second day. Who says good films have no takers in the audience. Congratulations to Aamir Khan and his team." Actors like Ritesh Deshmukh and Mahesh Babu also praised the film for its emotional impact. First Published:
