Gurugram: Hyundai Motor India Foundation has onboarded 20 para-athletes for three years under the ‘Samarth Para-Sports Programme,’ collaborating with GoSports Foundation. This initiative, part of Hyundai Motor India Limited’s ‘Samarth by Hyundai,’ provides structured support to para-athletes, including financial aid, sports science guidance, assistive devices, soft skill training, and mentorship from experts.
The program has identified talented athletes in eight key sports categories from India, spanning Para-Athletics, Para-Swimming, Para-Badminton, Wheelchair Tennis, Para-Archery, Para-Rowing, Para-Canoeing, and Para-Cycling. There are 15 emerging (aged 13 and above) and 5 elite (aged 16 and above) para-athletes selected to receive resources and mentorship, preparing them to excel globally and embody India’s unwavering spirit.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Unsoo Kim, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, “At Hyundai Motor India Limited, we are committed to fostering a world where each individual can contribute meaningfully. The Samarth Para-Sports Programmealigns with our vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’ and aims to foster an inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. By supporting Para-athletes, our endeavor is to showcase their incredible talent on a world stage and give them a chance to pursue their passions. My best wishes to the GoSports Foundation and all the selected 20 para-athletes. I am sure these athletes will inspire countless others with their courage and determination and make India proud.”
Deepthi Bopaiah, CEO, GoSports Foundation said, “GoSports foundation has been a pioneer who has institutionalized support to para-athletes and we are looking forward to creating a larger change with Hyundai Motor India Foundation’sSamarth Para Sports Programme. We aim to establish a platform for young and talented para-athletes to thrive and reach the pinnacle of para-sports, Paralympics. We are confident that with the right suppor and approach, we will be able to make India a great sporting nation.”
Athletes selected for the program include:
| S.
no. |
Athlete Name | Sports Category | Location | S.
no. |
Athlete Name | Sports Category | Location | |
| 1 | Arvind Kumar Saini | Para- Archery | Jaipur, Rajasthan | 2 | BhavikBharwad | Para- Athletics (100 m & 400m) | Nadiad, Gujarat | |
| 3 | Chirag | Para-Athletics (100m) | New Delhi | 4 | Dipesh Kumar | Para- Athletics (Javelin) | Hathras,
Uttar Pradesh |
|
| 5 | Abhishek Jadhav | Para-Athletics (100m & 200m) | Kohlapur, Maharashtra | 6 | Banti | Para-Athletics (High Jump) | Churu, Rajasthan | |
| 7 | Balaji Rajendran | Para-Athletics (Shotput, Discus) | Salem,
Tamil Nadu |
8 | Harshit Choudhary | Para- Badminton | Sanwer,
Madhya Pradesh |
|
| 9 | Rachna Patel | Para- Badminton | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | 10 | SakshiKasana | Para-Athletics
(Discuss, Shot Put, Javelin) |
Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh | |
| 11 | Yash Kumar | Para- Canoeing | Agra,
Uttar Pradesh |
12 | Shreyansh Trivedi | Para- Athletics(100m & 200m) | New Delhi | |
| 13 | SahilHooda | Para-Archery | Rohtak, Haryana | 14 | Palak Kohli | Para- Badminton | Jalandhar, Punjab | |
| 15 | Haney | Para-Athletics (Discus, Javelin) | Rohtak, Haryana | 16 | E Kalaiselvi | Para-Athletics
(Wheelchair Racing) |
Chennai,
Tamil Nadu |
|
| 17 | Tejas | Para-Swimming | Bengaluru, Karnataka | 18 | Sarumathi | Para-Badminton | Coimbatore,
Tamil Nadu |
|
| 19 | BasavarajKundaragi | Wheelchair Tennis | Dharwad, Karnataka | 20 | Sathi Mondal | Para-Swimming | Champahati, West Bengal |
The ‘Samarth Para-Sports Programme’ establishes a transformative platform for, aspiring para-athletes, empowering them on their journey towards sporting excellence and overall development. This initiative not only nurtures talent but also aims to enhance India’s stature on the global stage, creating opportunities and inspiring future generations to pursue excellence.
