Para hockey coach Rajeshwari credits PM Modi's push for disability sports
Synopsis
India's para hockey coach Rajeshwari says government backing — food, accommodation, equipment — and Special Olympics Bharat are giving disabled athletes a genuine shot at the world stage. After an 11th-place finish and a pool-stage loss to the Netherlands, she is already looking ahead: 'Next time we go there, we will definitely get a place.'
Key Takeaways
Para world hockey coach Rajeshwari highlighted government support covering food, accommodation, and equipment for athletes with disabilities.
India finished 6th on a pool-by-pool basis and 11th overall in the recent Para World Cup world standings.
A pool-stage defeat to the Netherlands was cited as the key factor behind the final ranking.
Special Olympics Bharat (SOB) is co-supporting the programme alongside government-backed preparatory camps.
Rajeshwari expressed confidence in improvement, pledging a stronger showing at the next international tournament.
Para world hockey coach Rajeshwari has credited government support, structured preparatory camps, and the backing of Special Olympics Bharat (SOB) for enabling Indian athletes with disabilities to compete internationally, as the team looks to improve on its 11th-place overall finish in the recent world standings. Speaking from New Delhi, the coach said the ecosystem around para sports in India has grown meaningfully, with players now receiving food, accommodation, and equipment support ahead of international assignments.
What the Coach Said
'PM Narendra Modi sir is supporting sports immensely. They are also providing food, accommodation, and equipment,' Rajeshwari said. She emphasised that the support structure was designed to be inclusive: 'There are fair opportunities and equal opportunities for all,' she added, noting that the programme specifically targets individually disabled students through structured training and competitive exposure.
India's Recent World Standing
The Indian para hockey team finished sixth on a pool-by-pool basis and 11th overall in the world standings at the recent Para World Cup. Rajeshwari attributed the result in part to a pool-stage defeat against the Netherlands, which cost the team crucial ranking points. 'In the pool match, we lost one match to the Netherlands. That's why we lost the place there,' she acknowledged.
Role of Preparatory Camps and Special Olympics Bharat
Preparatory camps have been central to the team's development pipeline, according to the coach. Special Olympics Bharat has played a supporting role alongside government-backed infrastructure, providing athletes with the training environment and international exposure needed to compete at the highest level. Rajeshwari noted that many players in the programme are students with individual disabilities who benefit from consistent, structured coaching sessions.
What the Team Is Targeting Next
Despite the 11th-place finish, Rajeshwari struck a forward-looking tone. 'Next time we go there, we will definitely get a place,' she said, referring to a future challenge tournament against the Netherlands. The coach's remarks suggest the team views the current campaign as a learning benchmark rather than a ceiling, with improved preparation and competitive exposure expected to drive better results in subsequent editions.
Point of View
But not sufficient; what the programme needs next is a structured competitive calendar that gives disabled athletes regular high-intensity match exposure, not just preparatory camps. The Netherlands defeat is instructive: India's para hockey players are ready to compete, but they are not yet consistently winning the close pool matches that determine final standings. The test for SOB and the Centre is whether this support system scales in depth, not just in reach.
NationPress
27 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rajeshwari and what is her role in Indian para hockey?
Rajeshwari is the coach of India's para world hockey team, responsible for player development and international campaign preparation. She has been a vocal advocate for structured support systems for athletes with disabilities.
How did India finish at the recent Para World Cup?
India finished 6th on a pool-by-pool basis and 11th overall in the world standings at the recent Para World Cup. A pool-stage loss to the Netherlands was a key factor in the final ranking.
What support does the Indian government provide to para hockey players?
According to coach Rajeshwari, the government provides food, accommodation, and equipment to para hockey athletes. Preparatory camps are also organised to give players structured training ahead of international tournaments.
What is Special Olympics Bharat and how is it involved?
Special Olympics Bharat (SOB) is an organisation supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities in India. It co-supports the para hockey programme alongside government backing, contributing to training infrastructure and international exposure for players.
What is India's target for future para hockey tournaments?
Coach Rajeshwari has expressed confidence that India will improve its world ranking in future competitions, specifically referencing an upcoming challenge tournament against the Netherlands as an opportunity to secure a higher finish.
