World Disability Day 2024: Leading Para Athletes Praise Government’s Efforts in Enhancing Accessibility and Opportunities

New Delhi, Dec 3 (NationPress) On the celebration of World Disability Day 2024, distinguished Indian para-athletes Navdeep, Simran Sharma, Ashok Kumar Malik, and SAI Gandhinagar athlete Nimisha expressed their heartfelt gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his steadfast commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible framework.

The para-athletes emphasized the significant advancements achieved in recent years, which have empowered athletes with disabilities to shine on both national and international platforms.

Discussing the enhanced accessibility available to para-athletes during their travels, Navdeep, who clinched gold at the Paris Paralympics in the Javelin Throw F41 event, stated, “As athletes, participating in various competitions—both domestic and international—is essential. Adequate accessibility at airports during our travels is paramount. At present, 35 international airports and 55 domestic airports are equipped with features such as ramps, accessible restrooms, and Braille-enabled lifts.”

“The amenities provided clearly demonstrate the government’s pledge towards an inclusive India, and I am thankful to be part of this transformative journey,” he added.

Powerlifter Ashok Kumar, who represented India at the Paris Paralympics, pointed out that the accessibility initiatives have been revolutionary. “The Government of India has made available over 50,000 buses for our domestic travels, which are either fully or partially accessible across 24 states and union territories,” Ashok mentioned.

“These initiatives are crucial for us, facilitating smooth travel and allowing us to concentrate on our training and performance. India is indeed crafting an inclusive future, and I am genuinely thankful for the increasing focus on our needs,” he added.

In addition to buses, more than 709 railway stations nationwide have achieved full accessibility, with 4,068 others providing partial accessibility. Digital platforms have also been made accessible for individuals with disabilities.

“I am thrilled that a total of 672 state government websites and 95 central government websites are now compliant with accessibility standards for those of us who have low visibility,” noted Simran Sharma, who earned a bronze medal in the 200m T12 event at the Paris Paralympics.

Expanding on the support from the Sports Ministry, Simran added, “The Sports Authority of India is organizing camps in various locations tailored to our comfort, and the Khelo India Para Games are also being hosted for us. Earlier this year, we athletes had the privilege of meeting Shri Modiji before and after the 2024 Paralympics, and those moments will remain etched in our memories. His encouraging words inspire us to bring honor to our nation. Such recognition fuels our resolve to continuously break barriers.”

The SAI regional centre in Gandhinagar is a specialized para-sports facility with over 90 para-athletes training across six disciplines—para athletics, para powerlifting, para swimming, para badminton, para table tennis, and para fencing.

Nimisha Chakkungalparambil, a camper at SAI Gandhinagar who secured a gold medal in the women's T47 long jump at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Para Games, said, “Our SAI national centre of excellence boasts dedicated para-specific sports ground facilities, with special emphasis on accommodation and nutrition.”

“This progress is entirely attributed to Narendra Modi, who has championed inclusivity and facilitated the growth of para sports. Beyond these facilities, we are consistently supported through the Khelo India scheme and elite funding under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). These initiatives have effectively removed all our financial and logistical obstacles,” Nimisha concluded.