New Delhi, Dec 3: Celebrating World Disability Day, prominent Indian para-athletes including Navdeep, Simran Sharma, and Ashok Kumar Malik have expressed their appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his administration for enhancing infrastructure to support their needs and providing valuable opportunities.
SAI Gandhinagar camper Nimisha also extended her gratitude to the Government.
The para-athletes acknowledged the significant improvements made in recent years, allowing athletes with disabilities to thrive on both national and international platforms.
Navdeep, a gold medallist in javelin throw at the Paris Paralympics in the F41 category, stated, “As athletes, it’s essential to participate in various domestic and international competitions, and having proper accessibility at airports is vital.”
“Currently, 35 international airports and 55 domestic airports feature essential amenities such as ramps, accessible restrooms, and Braille-enabled elevators.”
“These offerings reflect the government’s dedication to creating an inclusive India, and I am thankful to be part of this transformative journey,” he added.
Powerlifter Ashok Kumar, who also competed at the Paris Paralympics, emphasized the impact of accessibility initiatives, describing them as game changers.
“The Government of India has facilitated the provision of over 50,000 buses for our domestic travel, fully and partially accessible across 24 states and union territories,” Ashok mentioned. “These interventions have become essential for us, allowing hassle-free travel and enabling us to focus on our training and performance.”
Additionally, over 709 railway stations nationwide have been made fully accessible, enhancing travel options for athletes.
Digital accessibility improvements are also noteworthy. Simran Sharma, who earned a bronze medal in the 200m T12 event at the Paris Paralympics, remarked, “I am thrilled to see that a total of 672 state government websites and 95 central government websites have now met accessibility standards for individuals with visual impairments.”
The SAI regional centre in Gandhinagar serves as a specialized facility for para-sports, accommodating over 90 para campers across six disciplines, including athletics, powerlifting, swimming, badminton, table tennis, and fencing.
Nimisha Chakkungalparambil, a SAI Gandhinagar camper who secured a gold medal in the women’s T47 long jump event at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Para Games, shared, “Our SAI national centre of excellence offers dedicated facilities for para-specific sports with significant focus on accommodation and nutrition.”
“This progress is attributable solely to Narendra Modi’s commitment to inclusivity and the advancement of para sports,” she stated. “In addition to these facilities, we receive ongoing support through the Khelo India initiative and elite funding under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), effectively removing financial and logistical barriers.”
(PTI)
