Rajasthan’s special athletes gear up for nationals after successful state games

Showcasing exceptional determination and athletic spirit, 247 specially-abled athletes from districts across Rajasthan competed in seven track and field events during the State Games Athletics 2025 for Special Athletes at the Jaipur Military Station on Wednesday. The event was organised in a joint collaboration between Sapta Shakti Army Women’s Welfare Association and Special Olympics Bharat–Rajasthan.

The team of athletes selected from Rajasthan will participate in the National Special Olympics Bharat Games scheduled in Delhi, following a structured training camp.

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Rajastha Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari inaugurated the State Games in the presence of Dr Mallika Nadda, President, Special Olympics Bharat (SOB); Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, Army Commander, Sapta Shakti Command; Barinder Jit Kaur, Regional President AWWA, Sapta Shakti Command; and Vinita Ahuja, president, Special Olympics Bharat-Rajasthan Chapter.

The Championship opened with an impressive march past by special athletes from 20 districts, joined by NCC cadets. The students of Army Public School, Jaipur, presented a traditional Rajasthani dance showcasing the vibrancy, colours and artistic identity of the state.

According to a statement by the army spokesperson, the Indian Army provided significant administrative and logistical support to outstation athletes, and a special highlight of the event was the comprehensive medical and health assessments camp, conducted by specialist doctors from Military Hospital, Jaipur. In addition, a specially curated Resource Book for the guardians of Children with Special Needs, was formally unveiled by Diya Kumari during the event, marking an important step toward long-term parent awareness and support.

Dr Mallika Nadda highlighted that specially-abled children have participated in many national and international events, including the recently organised World Summer Games Berlin, and won over 200 medals. She also enumerated the incentives and remunerations being awarded by the Centre and the Sports & Youth Ministry for the encouragement of the children. She also reinforced the job opportunities and pension schemes for the specially abled children to make them Atmanirbhar.

The Army Commander emphasised that the Indian Army has consistently championed initiatives that strengthen national inclusion. He also highlighted that these children have a special outlook towards the society, adding that ”We need to look at them with their outlook to identify their specialties of requirements and work towards curating those abilities for inclusion in the society”.

He reaffirmed Sapta Shakti Command’s commitment to the holistic development of children with special needs recognising their creativity, memory, and endurance. He also highlighted numerous initiatives undertaken by the Command through Asha Schools, Early Intervention Centres, Asha Kiran & Asha Milap initiatives, screening camps and job opportunities for enabling these children with special abilities.