Hyundai’s ‘Samarth Para-Sports Programme’ Commits to Empowering 20 Para-Athletes Over Three Years
Gurugram, 08 July 2024: In a significant stride towards promoting inclusivity and excellence in sports, Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) has announced the onboarding of 20 para-athletes under its ‘Samarth Para-Sports Programme’. This initiative, in collaboration with GoSports Foundation, aims to provide comprehensive support to emerging and elite para-athletes across India for a period of three years.
The ‘Samarth Para-Sports Programme’ is a part of Hyundai Motor India Limited’s broader ‘Samarth by Hyundai’ initiative. It offers structured support that includes financial aid, sports science guidance, assistive devices, and mentorship from renowned coaches and experts. The program covers eight key sports categories: Para-Athletics, Para-Swimming, Para-Badminton, Wheelchair Tennis, Para-Archery, Para-Rowing, Para-Canoeing, and Para-Cycling.
Of the selected athletes, 15 are emerging talents aged 13 and above, while five are elite athletes aged 16 and above. This diverse group of para-athletes will receive the resources and guidance needed to compete at the global level, embodying the resilient spirit of India.
Speaking at the event, Unsoo Kim, Managing Director of Hyundai Motor India Limited, emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering an inclusive society. “The Samarth Para-Sports Programme aligns with our vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’ and aims to foster an inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. By supporting Para-athletes, our endeavor is to showcase their incredible talent on a world stage and give them a chance to pursue their passions. My best wishes to the GoSports Foundation and all the selected 20 para-athletes. I am sure these athletes will inspire countless others with their courage and determination and make India proud.”
Ms. Deepthi Bopaiah, CEO of GoSports Foundation, highlighted the transformative potential of the program. “GoSports Foundation has been a pioneer in institutionalizing support for para-athletes, and we are looking forward to creating a larger change with Hyundai Motor India Foundation’s Samarth Para-Sports Programme. We aim to establish a platform for young and talented para-athletes to thrive and reach the pinnacle of para-sports, including the Paralympics. With the right support and approach, we are confident that we will be able to make India a great sporting nation.”
The ‘Samarth Para-Sports Programme’ is set to create a transformative platform for aspiring para-athletes, empowering them on their journey towards sporting excellence and overall development. This initiative not only nurtures talent but also aims to enhance India’s stature on the global stage, creating opportunities and inspiring future generations to pursue excellence.
Athletes selected for the program are-
| S.no. | Athlete Name | Sports Category | Location | S.no. | Athlete Name | Sports Category | Location | |
| 1 | Arvind Kumar Saini | Para- Archery | Jaipur, Rajasthan | 2 | Bhavik Bharwad | Para- Athletics (100 m & 400m) | Nadiad, Gujarat | |
| 3 | Chirag | Para-Athletics (100m) | New Delhi | 4 | Dipesh Kumar | Para- Athletics (Javelin) | Hathras,Uttar Pradesh | |
| 5 | Abhishek Jadhav | Para-Athletics (100m & 200m) | Kohlapur, Maharashtra | 6 | Banti | Para-Athletics (High Jump) | Churu, Rajasthan | |
| 7 | Balaji Rajendran | Para-Athletics (Shotput, Discus) | Salem,Tamil Nadu | 8 | Harshit Choudhary | Para- Badminton | Sanwer,Madhya Pradesh | |
| 9 | Rachna Patel | Para- Badminton | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | 10 | Sakshi Kasana | Para-Athletics(Discuss,Shot Put,Javelin) | Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh | |
| 11 | Yash Kumar | Para- Canoeing | Agra,Uttar Pradesh | 12 | Shreyansh Trivedi | Para- Athletics (100m & 200m) | New Delhi | |
| 13 | Sahil Hooda | Para-Archery | Rohtak, Haryana | 14 | Palak Kohli | Para- Badminton | Jalandhar, Punjab | |
| 15 | Haney | Para-Athletics (Discus, Javelin) | Rohtak, Haryana | 16 | E Kalaiselvi | Para-Athletics(Wheelchair Racing) | Chennai,Tamil Nadu | |
| 17 | Tejas | Para-Swimming | Bengaluru, Karnataka | 18 | Sarumathi | Para-Badminton | Coimbatore,Tamil Nadu | |
| 19 | Basavaraj Kundaragi | Wheelchair Tennis | Dharwad, Karnataka | 20 | Sathi Mondal | Para-Swimming | Champahati, West Bengal |
