Delhi Govt to build dedicated stadium for children with special needs

Delhi Government will come up with a dedicated stadium and residential sports facility for children with special needs, Education Minister Ashish Sood announced on Wednesday.

Sood announced to the gathering after inaugurating the Special Olympics Bharat National Powerlifting Championship at Maitreyi College in the capital.

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The championship, which is being organised by Special Olympics Bharat, Delhi, in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, is the national event that brings together talented differently-abled athletes from across the country to showcase their skills.

The minister said that the enthusiasm and spirit with which these special children who participated in the march-past were truly their “hero moment.”

Sood further said Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was committed to ensuring that no talented athlete was held back due to a lack of resources.

“Children once considered marginalised are earning respect and recognition on international sports platforms through their determination, learning spirit, and hard work, bringing glory to India,” he added.

Referring to India’s outstanding performance at the Paris Olympics 2024, where the country won 29 medals, the minister said this achievement proved the limitless potential of the Indian talent.

He also highlighted the important role of Special Olympics Bharat in fostering inclusion and confidence through sports.

“Special Olympics is not just about competitions — it builds resilience, self-belief, and better health,” Sood added.

He also appreciated initiatives like “Special Spice” and dental check-up programs for the well-being of the athletes.

He noted that under PM Modi’s vision, movements like Fit India and Khelo India have provided opportunities to lakhs of youth.

On the occasion, the minister also welcomed the Modi government’s decision to reduce the GST on sports equipment from 12 to 5 per cent.

It’s a welfare step that will provide significant financial relief to athletes, he added.

Announcing a new incentive policy, Sood stated that the Delhi Government will honour Special Olympics World Games winners with the same dignity as Paralympic athletes, but with a distinct recognition.

Individual event winners will receive Rs 15 lakh for Gold, Rs 12 lakh for Silver, and Rs 8 lakh for Bronze medal.

In team events, Gold medal-winning teams will be awarded Rs 20 lakh, Silver Rs 15 lakh, Bronze Rs 10 lakh, and participating teams Rs 2 lakh each.

This will ensure that Delhi’s special athletes receive rightful encouragement and recognition, he said.

Addressing the athletes, coaches, and parents present at the event, Sood said, “Go to Chile, win, and return with pride. Rest assured, the Delhi Government will be waiting at the airport to embrace you and celebrate your success.”