2 days ago
IIT Madras, SBI Foundation to offer sports scholarship to para-athletes
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and SBI Foundation have partnered to launch Para Athlete Sports Scholarship programme. The scholarship programme is aimed at empowering 100 para-athletes across India.
The programme seeks to provide selected athlete with a monthly stipend of Rs 40,000 each, supporting their journey toward National and International sporting excellence. Further, scientific training will also be provided under this initiative.
Read More | IIT-Madras to offer mentorship, support to students admitted through FACE, ScOpE
By combining financial support with scientific training, the scholarship ensures that para-athletes have access to the resources, data, and mentorship they need to compete at the highest level, an IIT Madras statement said.
The goal, IIT Madras says, is to create a robust ecosystem of support and inclusivity in Indian sport, while building a strong pipeline for events like the Paralympics and other international events for para athletes.
This marks a significant step forward in recognising and nurturing the potential of differently-abled athletes, aligning with both institutions' shared vision of inclusive growth and excellence, it added.
The technical assistance for this initiative is being provided by Acrophase, an IIT Madras Center of Excellence for Human Performance under the leadership of Prof. Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam.
The programme was formally launched on August 14 in the presence of Sanjay Prakash, Managing Director and CEO, SBI Foundation, and other stakeholders.
Lauding the funding support, Professor Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations), IIT Madras, said, 'At IIT Madras, we deeply value our partnership with SBI Foundation and the opportunities it creates. The Para Athlete Sports Scholarship program is clearly aligned with the values of diversity and inclusion in sports that we have been championing over the years. It levels the playing field for para-athletes by opening up avenues for them to aspire, dream and grow on both the National and International stage.'
