Date: 17th March 2025
Place: Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi
A grand welcome was extended to the Special Olympics Bharat contingent at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi, in recognition of their remarkable achievements at the Special Olympics World Winter Games, 2025, held at Turin, Italy from 8th to 15th March.
During the event, Dr. Mallika Nadda, President, Special Olympics Bharat extended her heartfelt gratitude to Smt. Raksha Khadse, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports for her special efforts in increasing cash awards for Special Olympics Bharat athletes. Under the revised policy, gold medalists will now receive ₹20 lakh, silver medalists ₹14 lakh, and bronze medalists ₹8 lakh, significantly enhancing support for para-athletes in India.
Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse lauded the support extended by the Sports Authority of India to Special Olympics Bharat and stated, “The success stories of athletes of Special Olympics Bharat symbolize Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”
India’s Exceptional Performance at Special Olympics World Winter Games is as follows –
1. Team India secured a total of 33 medals, with an impressive 12 medals won on the final day of the competition.
2. In Alpine Skiing, Deepak Thakur and Giridhar clinched gold medals in Intermediate Super G, while Nirmala secured a gold medal in Intermediate Giant Slalom.
3. Snowboarding saw a stellar performance, with Bharti winning two gold medals in Novice Giant Slalom and Novice Slalom, and Sameer Yadav adding another gold medal in Novice Giant Slalom.
4. In Snowshoeing, Anil Kumar won a gold medal in the 200-meter race, while Vasu Tiwari won gold in the 50-meter race.
To support Special Olympics athletes, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports through Sports Authority of India provided 11 national coaching camps and equipment assistance, travel support, accommodation, and meal facilities to the athletes. The increased cash awards further recognize and encourage athletes with intellectual disabilities to achieve greater heights.
During the event, Smt Raksha Khadse remarked that the Special Olympics is not just a sports competition but a movement towards inclusivity and empowerment. The resounding success of Indian athletes demonstrates that with the right opportunities and support, individuals with intellectual disabilities can achieve excellence and self-reliance.
The event witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including D G Choudhary, Secretary General, SOB, Ms. Ritu Pathik, Executive Director, Sports Authority of India, Sh. V K Mahendru, Executive Director, SOB, Sh. Arun Lal, Deputy Director, SAI, and Parikshit Mehdudia, Head of Delegation.