Imagine a stadium roaring, not just with the usual cheers, but with a collective gasp of awe as Sheetal Devi, an archer born without arms, draws her bow with her feet, her focus laser-sharp. In another instance, Mariyappan Thangavelu, the son of a labourer whose leg got impaired when run over by a bus at age 5, finched a bronze medal in the high jump at the Paris Olympics. These occurrences are not just sports stories but are the symphony of the human spirit, a testament to the boundless dreams that define India’s para-sports movement. As the world has celebrated recently the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace today (6 April 2025), under the theme “Leveling the Playing Field: Sport for Social Inclusion,” the story of the Indian Para-sport is the perfect precedent for this theme showcasing narrative of resilience, inclusivity, and human achievement. It offers valuable insights for countries and units of administrations trying to create a sports environment where everyone, irrespective of their social and physical hurdles, can pursue their dreams.

The transformation of Indian para-sports hasn’t been a whisper but a crescendo. Historically, India has participated in the Paralympic competitions since the 1968 Tel Aviv Olympics. However, there was inconsistency till the last decade. The upsurge that this segment underwent in the previous decade is multifactorial. Three vital factors among them are the government’s focus, increased support from private and non-governmental organisations, and societal acceptance.

Primarily, proactive government intervention has been the most significant catalyst for India’s para-sports success. Sports itself has received considerable attention from the government in the last decade. The budget allocation to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) 2014-15 was a mere 227 crores, to 3794.3 crores in 2025-26, showcasing this shift. Two initiatives that have revolutionised para-athletes’ recognition and development are the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and the Khelo India program. TOPS, a flagship program of MYAS started in 2014, has provided holistic support for Olympic aspirants, including foreign training, international competition, equipment and coaching camp, and a monthly stipend of Rs. 50,000/- for each athlete. Similarly, under the Khelo India Program, the Khelo India Para Games (KIPG) are conducted annually. The latest 2025 KIPG games held in New Delhi brought together over 1300 para-athletes across India for the six sports competitions. Correspondingly, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the premier government body aimed at sporting excellence in India, has a dedicated nodal centre for training the para-athletes at Gandhinagar, ensuring world-class facilities tailored to their needs. These facilities have also led to the application of various sports science by specialists like anthropometrists, nutritionists, psychologists, sociologists and others for the development of para-athletes.

Furthermore, the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), recognised by the Ministry, has been instrumental in organising national-level tournaments and talent identification programs, strengthening grassroots participation. It is also important to mention the increasing interest of States in developing para- athletes. Haryana, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh lead this contingent with dedicated para-sport centers, proving that dreams take root and flourish when given fertile ground. State governments have played a key role in providing para- athletes financial incentives, employment opportunities, and post retirement benefits, further encouraging participation.

Secondly, there is increased private and non-governmental participation through their initiatives in this hemisphere of sports. GoSports Foundation, Reliance Foundation Youth Sports (RFYS), Samarth by Hyundai, JSW Sports, and several other organisations are looking at supporting para-athletes through their Corporate social responsibilities as well as charitable initiatives to bridge resource gap and provide technological, infrastructure, rehabilitation, and technical support, which
has led to an earmarking difference in the lives of para-athletes. It also paves the way for veteran athletes to start coaching academies to support para-sport aspirants. For example, Dronacharya Awardee Gaurav Khanna started his para-badminton academy, funded by Aegis Federal Life Insurance, and has emerged as a specialised training hub, producing international champions. Additionally, collaborations with multinational corporations have increased media coverage, endorsements, and employment opportunities for para-athletes, further integrating them into the mainstream sporting ecosystem. Several brands, such as IndusInd Bank, have also started featuring para-athletes in their advertising campaigns, enhancing their visibility and normalising their achievements within popular culture.

Perhaps the most transformative change has been societal attitudes toward para-athletes. Once viewed through a lens of sympathy, para-athletes are now celebrated as national heroes. The success of athletes like Avani Lekhara, Sumit Antil, and Devendra Jhajharia has challenged stereotypes and fostered a culture of inclusivity. There is an increasing support from the parents of the para-athletes. In an interview, Rubina Francis, who won para-pistol bronze in the Paris Paralympics 2025, conveyed how her parents stood with her in her journey. Media representation and social media platforms have played crucial roles in this paradigm shift, providing increased coverage of para-sports events and allowing athletes to connect directly with fans and sponsors. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube have amplified achievements, attracted funding, and driven conversations around inclusivity. The #Cheer4ParaAthletes campaign gained widespread traction, mobilising public support. Educational institutions and grassroots initiatives have also contributed by promoting awareness and encouraging participation in para-sports, ensuring that the future generation grows up in a more inclusive sporting
environment.

India’s para-sports journey offers valuable lessons on how sports can bring inclusive development and change the lives of people. As India’s para-sports movement continues to grow, there are exciting prospects for the future. The combination of government policies, private sector engagement, societal support, and social media has created a sustainable ecosystem for para-athletes, which has led to finch 29 medals in the last Paris Paralympics and 134 medals in the recently held World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025. However, we cannot assess the success based on the medals obtained. Nevertheless, we should admire how sports enable the development of the lives of para-sporting athletes, bringing them away from discrimination, self-doubt, and aversion in society. Countries can adopt similar models to foster inclusivity and empower differently-abled athletes. India’s para-athletes’s success shows what can be achieved when determination meets opportunity, reinforcing sport as a universal equaliser capable of transcending barriers and uniting communities. As the recently world the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, India’s para- sports movement is a beacon of inspiration. The nation’s experience underscores the importance of a holistic approach in which policy, corporate backing, societal change, and digital engagement create an inclusive sporting culture. By embracing these principles, countries can harness the potential of sports as a force for social inclusion and development, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to shine on the global stage.

– By SUBRATA DEY
Asst. Professor (Sports Physiology)
Department of Sports Science,
Faculty of Health and Wellness, Sri Sri University, Cuttack, Odisha

DATTANIRANJAN
Doctoral Scholar of Anthropology
Karnatak University, Dharwad