Gurugram, 29 March, 2024 – In a landmark initiative to boost India’s paralympic scene, the Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) in collaboration with the GoSports Foundation, announced the launch of the Samarth Para-Sports Programme today. This pioneering program is set to identify, nurture, and elevate the country’s next wave of Paralympic champions, aligning with Hyundai Motor India’s broader social initiative – ‘Samarth by Hyundai’.
Aimed at empowering India’s para-athletes through comprehensive training and support, the initiative aligns with HMIF’s ‘Progress for Humanity’ vision and GoSports Foundation’s commitment to athlete development. It plans to support 20 promising para-athletes over the next three years, offering them not just financial aid but also access to expert sports science, assistive sports devices, and mentorship from esteemed coaches and professionals.
Puneet Anand, AVP & Vertical Head, Corporate Affairs at Hyundai Motor India Ltd., emphasized Hyundai’s dedication to inclusivity and excellence. “Through the Samarth Para-Sports Programme, we aspire to create a more inclusive society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive,” he stated, highlighting the program’s commitment to empowering para-athletes and inspiring the nation with their stories of courage and resilience.
Echoing this sentiment, Arun Karthik, Programme Director at GoSports Foundation, underscored the initiative’s transformative potential. “This program is not just about nurturing talent; it’s about empowering aspiring para-athletes towards sporting excellence and amplifying India’s stature on the global stage,” he remarked.
The Samarth Para-Sports Programme is open to both emerging and elite athletes across six sports disciplines, including Para-athletics, Para-swimming, and Para-badminton, among others. It promises a holistic development approach for participants, focusing on their sporting as well as personal growth.
With applications open until 31st March, 2024, this initiative marks a significant step forward in promoting para-sports in India, setting the stage for a more accessible and equal sporting environment.
Interested participants can apply through the official program page at https://gosportsfoundation.org/samarth/.
