The Paralympics will be held from 28th August to September 8. It will have intense competition on the global stage. There will be over 4,000 athletes competing in 22 sports events. Ahead of that Paralympics Committee of India (PCI) has named Svayam as the official accessibility partner for the Paris Paralympics 2024. Previously Paris hosted the Olympics a few weeks back and it was a successful event.
Svayam will continue its long-term relationship with PCI by focusing on making transportation more accessible to the Indian Para contingent. The agreement includes comprehensive access audits of hotels and buildings in New Delhi, ensuring the para-athletes’ stay is barrier-free. Svayam has also given a completely accessible vehicle to improve the players’ mobility. The Svayam is a not-for-profit initiative. It is their 5th year collaboration with the PCI.
Sminu Jindal, Founder-Chairperson of Svayam, highlighted the significance of this role, stressing his commitment to the dignity and freedom of para-athletes. Svayam has also been associated with the first Khelo India Para Games 2023 organised by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Disability Cricket Council of India (DCCI) since 2020.
Sminu Jindal hopeful about creating new heights with PCI
Sminu Jindal said that “being an Accessibility Partner is both an honor and a responsibility. Our partnership continues to break down barriers and promote dignity and independence for people with reduced mobility. This year too Svayam will ensure that the dignity of para-players hailing from across the country is not compromised. We are dedicated to creating an equitable environment where every player can focus on their performance without worrying about accessibility. We look forward to more such opportunities in the future.”
India has named 84 athletes to compete at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. The contingent is India’s largest ever sent to the Paralympic Games. At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, India had sent 54 athletes, which included 14 women. Avani Lekhara, who won gold in the women’s R2 10m air rifle standing SH1 event by tying the world record in Tokyo 2020, will compete in the Paris 2024 Paralympics. She became the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic gold medal in Tokyo.
