Latest news with #TokyoParalympics
India Gazette
a day ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
India's first mixed disability cricket team plays at Lord's; Svayam's Sminu Jindal invited by ECB to speak on inclusion
New Delhi [India], June 27 (ANI): India's mixed disability cricket team made history this week as they took the field at Lord's for the very first time. The match, part of an ongoing series against a side that's been playing mixed disability cricket for nearly eight years, marks India's official entry into this format on the global stage. According to a release, Sminu Jindal, Founder-Chairperson of Svayam, was invited by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to speak at the venue. Representing India in front of officials from seven cricket boards, she called for stronger efforts towards inclusive sports planning, not just in terms of access, but also in terms of opportunity and visibility. 'The fact that this is happening at Lord's is not incidental; it's symbolic. This ground has seen cricket's most defining moments. Today, it sees inclusion,' said Jindal, as quoted by the Svayam press release. Svayam's association with DCCI in sports began in 2021 and spans multiple events and has expanded steadily, from the Tokyo Paralympics, PD Championship, to national events like the Khelo India Para Games. The event is the result of years of groundwork by the Disability Cricket Council of India (DCCI), which has worked to bring together players with physical, intellectual, and hearing impairments. The team's appearance at Lord's is being viewed as a major breakthrough for mixed disability cricket in India, a format that has yet to receive mainstream recognition but holds immense potential. With the Indian men's cricket team also touring England at the moment, both squads are representing the country in different formats and in different conversations. One aims for a series win, the other pushes for inclusion. Together, they broaden the idea of what it means to represent India on the global stage. During her speech, Jindal also announced that Svayam will host India's first National Summit on Accessible Sports and Tourism this November. The summit will bring together voices from policy, sport, hospitality, and disability rights to develop a shared action plan, especially as India prepares its bids for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and 2036 Olympics, the release added. (ANI)
India Gazette
16-06-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Himachal Pradesh: 'Special leave attendance' for sportsperson participating in National and International events
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], June 16 (ANI): Promoting holistic development of the players who participate in National, State and International sports competition, the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has issued directions to various sports bodies to consider them as being present during the period they represent India at National and International Sports events, as per the press release from state govenment. This approach is likely aimed at fostering well-rounded individuals who excel in both academics and sports. He said that currently, students participating in events organized by various sports associations, federations, or boards are marked absent in schools due to lack of special leave provisions. This not only affects their attendance but also their internal the first time in the state such progressive decision has been taken under which it has now been mandated that participation certificates or letters issued by recognized sports bodies will serve as valid proof for participation in National and Sports events. Schools have been directed to mark such students on 'special leave' instead of marking them absent, similar to the provisions followed for the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) competitions. 'It should be ensured that the schools should not show such days as absent but should record them as special leave attendance in the attendance register', he remarked. 'This reflects a shift towards an integrated approach where sports and academics complement each other,' the Chief Minister stated. To mark presence in schools, highlights a move towards a more integrated and balanced approach to student development, where academics and sports are seen as complementary aspects of a student's overall growth, said the Chief Minister. Besides this, the state government has taken a remarkable step towards promoting sports and honouring the achievements of the athletes of the state. In a historic move Chief Minister stated that 21 International medal winners were awarded cash prizes worth Rs. 14.77 crore with increased prize money which marks a significant shift in how the state recognizes and values the hard work, dedication and International success of its sportspersons. The highest cash award was presented to Paralympian Nishad Kumar from Una district, who received Rs. 7.80 crore for his outstanding achievements in high jump at various para-games, including the prestigious Tokyo Paralympics. Ajay Kumar a para-athlete from Mandi, was awarded Rs. 2.50 crore for his medal-winning performance in the 400 meter race. Similarly, Vikas Thakur from Hamirpur was honoured with Rs. 2 crore for clinching a medal in the weightlifting event. In the sport of kabaddi, eight athletes Ritu Negi, Pushpa and Sushma Sharma from Sirmaur, Nidhi Sharma from Bilaspur, Jyoti from Solan and Vishal Bhardwaj from Una, were each awarded Rs. 33.32 lakh for bringing glory to the state at International tournaments. Cricketing star Renuka Singh Thakur from Shimla was also presented Rs. 13.32 lakh for her remarkable contribution to the game. In addition to these honours, around Rs. 44 lakh were distributed among other outstanding athletes, which presents the state's inclusive approach to recognize talent across a range of sports disciplines. The government's support goes beyond just cash rewards. Significant efforts have been made to improve player welfare. As many as 421 players received Rs. 76.98 lakh as diet money and 235 players were given Rs. 6.01 lakh to support their travel expenses. These measures ensure that athletes are not only celebrated after achieving success but are also supported throughout their sporting journey. To further strengthen the sports ecosystem in the state, the government is constructing an international-level sports stadium in Nadaun, Hamirpur. This world-class facility is expected to play a key role in nurturing young talent and providing top-level training infrastructure for athletes. By recognising and supporting its sportspersons in such an extraordinary manner, the State government is sending a clear message that 'sports is not just a passion but a priority', said Sh. Sukhu. The students selected for National and International events are not just talented athletes but also dedicated students who understand the importance of balancing their academic and sporting pursuits. With continued support and infrastructure development, Himachal Pradesh is steadily positioning itself as a strong contender in the national and international sporting landscape, he remarked. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
12-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan: Paralympian Rakesh Kumar appointed as brand ambassador in Reasi district
Reasi district administration on Wednesday appointed Paralympian para-archer Rakesh Kumar as brand ambassador for Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. Reasi deputy commissioner Nidhi Malik designated Paralympian para archer and Arjuna awardee Rakesh Kumar as the brand ambassador for the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan from Reasi district, said an official spokesperson. This initiative aims to harness the inspirational journey of Rakesh Kumar — an international athlete who hails from Reasi— and has brought immense pride to the nation through his achievements despite physical challenges, the spokesperson said, adding that his appointment is expected to encourage youth to pursue sports and healthy lifestyles while staying away from substance abuse, he said. After a spinal injury in 2010 confined Kumar to a wheelchair, he took up archery in 2017 and rapidly rose through the ranks. He won gold at the 2022 Asian Para Games and the 2023 World Para Archery Championships, and represented India at the Tokyo Paralympics. In 2024, he made history by winning a bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics—J&K's first-ever Olympic medal. For his achievements, he was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 2025. Nidhi Malik emphasised the importance of role models in shaping young minds and stated that Rakesh Kumar's life is a powerful message of resilience, discipline, and determination. She further noted that the district administration, in collaboration with the Reasi social welfare department, headed by DSWO Sachin Sharma, is committed to intensifying awareness campaigns, community engagement, and outreach programs as part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Drug-Free India Campaign). The 26-day-long campaign, which began on June 1, will continue until June 26, covering various parts of the district. Speaking on the occasion, Rakesh Kumar expressed his gratitude for the honour and pledged his full support to the cause.
NZ Herald
05-06-2025
- Politics
- NZ Herald
Man who caused para-cyclist to crash as she trained for 2020 Paralympics sentenced
A professional para-cyclist in training for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics was sworn at and told to get off the road by a man who then stopped his van in front of her, causing her to crash into the back of it. Despite the incident having happened five years ago,
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First Post
18-05-2025
- Sport
- First Post
Paralympic gold medal-winning judoka Shahana Hajiyeva handed life ban for faking blindness, claims report
Shahana Hajiyeva, who had won gold while competing in the 48kg category in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, was found to be faking blindness after failing a medical classification test ahead of the World Para Judo Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan earlier this month. read more Azerbaijani judoka Shahana Hajiyeva had won gold while competing in the 48kg category of the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. Reuters Nearly three years after making her country proud with a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, Azerbaijani judoka Shahana Hajiyeva has been handed a ban for failing a medical classification test which suggested that she was faking blindness to compete in the categories where she found so much success. Hajiyeva had stood on top of the podium while competing in the 48kg event in the Tokyo 2020 Games and was also a gold medallist at the European Para Championships in 2023 while competing in the 48kg J2 category. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD And after missing the Paralympic Games in Paris last year, Hajiyeva was scheduled to compete at the World Para Judo Championships that took place in Astana Kazakhstan earlier this month. The 24-year-old, however, was found to have failed a medical classification test for partially sighted judokas that took place before the event, according to a report on Hajiyeva's national federation claims change of rules to blame for her failed test Hajiyeva thus was handed a lifetime ban from competing in her original categories. Azerbaijan's National Paralympic Committee, however, cited a change in regulations for her failed test. 'At the Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Parajudo competitions were held in categories B1, B2 and B3. However, in the run-up to the Paralympic Games in Paris and at the Games themselves, the number of categories was reduced, and competitions were organised in two new categories - J1 and J2," the National Paralympic Committee of Azerbaijan said in a statement. 'As a result of the changes, many eye diseases previously included in the J2 category were excluded from the list. 'Despite the fact that Gadzhieva represented our country in the J2 category until 2024, due to the changes it became clear that she will no longer be able to compete in parajudo,' it added. Hajiyeva, however, wasn't the only athlete who had failed the medical classification test – compatriot Elnara Nizamli was moved from the J1 to J2 category after she was found to have partial vision.
