Delhi's Education Minister, Ashish Sood, inaugurated the Special Olympics Bharat National Powerlifting Championship at Maitreyi College on Wednesday. The competition, organised by Special Olympics Bharat Delhi in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, features talented athletes with disabilities from across the country.
During the event, Ashish Sood said that the enthusiasm and spirit of the special needs children are truly inspiring. "The very children who were once considered neglected by society are today bringing glory to India in international sports through their hard work and determination," he stated. He added that by winning 29 medals at the Paris Olympics 2024, India has proven that its talent is limitless, and he commended the role of Special Olympics Bharat in this journey.
The Education Minister announced that the Delhi government will soon establish a modern stadium and a residential sports facility in the capital specifically for children with special needs. Sood also noted that due to the efforts of Prime Minister Modi, the GST on sports equipment has been reduced from 12 to 5 per cent, providing significant relief to athletes.
Furthermore, the Delhi government has decided that winning athletes in the Special Olympic World Games will receive separate recognition and will not be treated on par with Paralympic athletes. Cash prizes will be awarded as follows: Rs 1,500,000 for gold medallists, Rs 1,200,000 for silver medallists, and Rs 800,000 for bronze medallists. In team events, winners will receive awards of up to Rs 2,000,000.
The minister appealed to the athletes to return with medals from the upcoming competitions in Chile and assured them that the Delhi government would be present at the airport to welcome and honour them. On this occasion, he also praised the efforts of Mallika Nadda, the National Chairperson of Special Olympics Bharat.
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